Baghmara, Mar 9,2025: The A’chik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM) Southern Zone, Baghmara, submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister Conrad K.Sangma through the Deputy Commissioner of South Garo Hills, expressed its concerns regarding the proposed railway extension to Baghmara, as recently suggested by the MLAs from South Garo Hills.
AHAM is not against the development and they strongly believe that introducing a railway line at this stage, without adequate safeguards, poses serious risks to the indigenous communities of Garo Hills.
The biggest concern is the unchecked influx of outsiders. Meghalaya does not have a strong regulatory mechanism in place to monitor and prevent large-scale migration. This lack of control has already led to rise in influx-related issues across various parts of Garo Hills.
“We have seen an increase in the number of non-tribal settlers, illegal land encroachments and businesses being dominated by outsiders, while the indigenous people struggle to compete. Without proper mechanisms to check and regulate this influx, bringing a railway line directly into Baghmara will only accelerate this process and further marginalize the local population” said General Secretary of AHAM Southern Zone, Baghmara.
The railway extension will provide an easy passage for migrants and illegal immigrants, which could drastically alter the demographic structure of South Garo Hills. Given the porous border areas and weak enforcement of existing laws, the indigenous people of Baghmara fear that their land, resources and cultural identity will be at risk. Even considering railway expansion, the state government must first implement a strong mechanism to check and regulate the influx of non-tribals into our region, he added.
The railway extension, the state government must expedite the implementation of the NH-217 project work, which has been neglected for 53 years, and focus on all-round development. This includes infrastructure development such as better road networks, bridges and public utilities, healthcare facilities to improve access to medical services, educational institutions to provide quality education for the youth, employment generation programs to create job opportunities for local residents and socio-economic, initiatives to uplift the indigenous communities of South Garo Hills.
The poor condition of roads has been long-standing issue and improving road connectivity would be much more effective and safer way to boost development in South Garo Hills, without compromising the interests of the indigenous people.
“We request the Chief Minister to reconsider this project and first establish a proper framework to regulate migration and protect the land, culture and rights of the Scheduled Tribes in Meghalaya. After such mechanisms are in place can have a meaningful discussion about railway connectivity to Baghmara” added AHAM Southern, Zone.
