The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) West Jaintia Hills District Unit has issued a warning to the Meghalaya government regarding the proposed railway project in Khasi Hills and the future extension of railway tracks to Jaintia Hills. The KSU argues that such developments could accelerate demographic changes, posing a threat to the survival of the indigenous Hynniewtrep communities. This warning comes as reports have emerged about the Northeast Frontier Railway’s plans to conduct a preliminary survey for a new 135-km Chaparmukh-Jowai broad-gauge line as early as 2026. KSU president Laitphar Syngkrem emphasized that the union has consistently opposed railway projects since 2008-09 and may resort to physical defense of their land if the government persists with railway construction in Jaintia Hills.
Public sentiment in Pnar-dominated villages, such as Khliehriat, Sutnga, and Jowai, is reportedly overwhelmingly against the railway, with those in favor perceived as politically motivated or having personal interests in land deals. The union pointed out the significant influx of non-tribal populations due to the existing National Highway 6 corridor, compounded by the lack of an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to protect tribal land, unlike neighboring states. The KSU has long demanded the implementation of ILP and stronger land laws, which have been ignored by successive state governments. Syngkrem cautioned that if railway development continues unchecked, the Pnar people may become a minority in their own districts within the next few decades, similar to trends seen in parts of Shillong and Ri-Bhoi, due to the rapid growth of non-tribal settlements in various areas.
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