Mawlai MLA Brightstarwell Marbaniang has clarified that the Voice of the People Party (VPP) is not against the introduction of a railway project in Meghalaya, provided that laws are implemented first to regulate the influx of outsiders into the state.
During a discussion in the Assembly on Wednesday, MLA Brightstarwell pointed out that states like Nagaland and Mizoram have the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system to control the entry of non-locals. He stressed that Meghalaya must first establish similar legal safeguards before moving forward with the railway project.
At the same time, the Mawlai MLA strongly criticised Cabinet Minister Kyrmen Shylla’s reported statement in the media, which suggested that only the people of Jaintia Hills should have a say in the introduction of the railway project there and that outsiders should not interfere. Brightstarwell countered this by asserting that the Khasi-Jaintia people are one community, including the Pnar, War, Bhoi, Khynriam, Maram and Lyngam, that there should be no division among them.
He acknowledged the need for development in the state but warned against allowing unchecked migration that could threaten the rights of indigenous residents.
Adding to the discussion, Nongkrem MLA and VPP chief, Ardent M. Basaiawmoit remarked that Minister Kyrmen Shylla’s statement might have been a slip of the tongue. He referred to historical records showing that the Jaintia and Khasi people share common ancestry, yet marriage between them was historically restricted. He expressed concern that the minister’s statement could inadvertently create divisions within the Khasi-Jaintia community.
North Shillong MLA Adelbert Nongrum also backed the motion raised by the Mawlai MLA and urged Minister Kyrmen Shylla to offer a formal apology for his remarks.
