Emphasising the need for constructive engagement, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday said that dialogue, not confrontation, remains the only viable path forward on the contentious issue of railway connectivity in the state.
Acknowledging the sharply divided opinions surrounding the matter, Sangma said meaningful progress can be achieved only through discussions and consensus-building. “We can move ahead only when there is dialogue and some form of mutual understanding,” the Chief Minister said. He pointed out that the state government had earlier attempted to initiate discussions by convening an all-party meeting, but most political parties chose not to participate. According to Sangma, some parties had formally communicated their unwillingness to join the deliberations.
Stressing the importance of continued engagement, the Chief Minister said that development initiatives become difficult to pursue when communication breaks down. “Whether there is agreement or disagreement, progress becomes impossible without dialogue,” he said, responding to concerns over the timing of discussions and allegations of inadequate consultation. Sangma said the government would persist in its outreach efforts to both the public and political stakeholders to explain the potential benefits of rail connectivity while also addressing concerns raised by various groups.
“We will continue to engage with people, clarify issues, and attempt to find common ground,” he said, adding that the issue would be taken up at the national level only after broad consensus is achieved within the state.