SHILLONG, June 17 - Three NGOs in Meghalaya have demanded from the Congress-led Government to stop the proposed railway construction work in Byrnihat while announcing a sit-in demonstration on June 21 opposing it.
The decision was taken by Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP), Hynniewtrep National Youth Front and Ri Bhoi Youth Federation at a meeting held here on Friday.
FKJGP president, Wellbirth Rani said members of the three organisations would hold a sit-in demonstration against construction of railway line in the absence of mechanisms to check influx.
The demonstration would be held near the Additional Secretariat here. Rani said that if the Government does not give in to its demand the three organisations would intensify the agitation. These three organisations are opposing the railways as they fear it would promote influx of �outsiders� unless proper steps are taken to prevent such inflows.
The Government is in favour of the Railways in the State and said recently that it wants a railway line from Shillong to Sohra or Cherrapunjee.
Several Khasi Students� Union members have been arrested in recent days following violent protests against the Tetelia-Byrnihat railway line in Ri Bhoi district. The students� body wants the project be put on hold.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Member of Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council PN Syiem, said the Council has not given NOC for the Tetelia-Byrnihat railway project and it should therefore be put on hold.
