The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has urged the Meghalaya government and the Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum (MTDF) to abandon plans for a High-Speed Luxury Rail Network (HSLRN) in Shillong. KSU General Secretary Donald V Thabah expressed opposition to the rail network, stating that it may facilitate an influx of people as well as illegal immigration. He called on the state government to prioritize education, healthcare, recruitment transparency, drug control, and infrastructure development, particularly road connectivity, instead of pursuing the rail network.
Thabah reiterated the KSU’s stance against introducing railways in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills until a robust mechanism is in place to address influx and illegal immigration concerns. He emphasized the need for strong legislation, such as the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), to protect indigenous rights. The KSU also demanded that March 25, 1971, be set as the cut-off year for recognizing outsiders as permanent residents.
Thabah refuted claims that the implementation of ILP might hinder development and economic growth, asserting that states with ILP tend to have higher per-capita incomes. It is noteworthy that states like Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh have already adopted the ILP system. When questioned about commodity prices and rail, he pointed out that Manipur and Mizoram have lower prices for essential commodities despite lacking a rail network.