SHILLONG, November 20, 2024: UDP leader and Cabinet Minister Kyrmen Shylla on Wednesday stated that the decision on introducing a railway line in East Jaintia Hills district should ultimately rest with the people of the district.
Speaking to media persons, Shylla said that due to paucity of time, the public meeting aimed at soliciting the views and opinions of the stakeholders on the proposed railway project, could not be held immediately.
“This meeting cannot be held just with my wish but it has to be the wish of the public. For that we have started consulting stakeholders so it is not a proper time as of now as not everyone is free. When the time is ready, we will call a meeting for this,” he said.
Asked, the minister said there is no doubt that development comes with merits and demerits.
“But we have to see which is more profitable whether by making it or by not making it.
If we see it is profitable by making it and it brings revenue and jobs to the people – that is for the people to decide. No matter how good it is if the people are not accepting it, we shouldn’t go ahead but if the public says that we should go ahead and if it benefits then it is worth spending your time and investing in it,” he stated.