A CORRESPONDENT
HAFLONG: The Dima Hasao Trinamool Congress expressed displeasure on the statement of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and therefore, unequivocally condemned in the strongest terms.
The Chief Minister, while holding a virtual conference with N F Railway and Deputy Commissioners of various districts, had ordered the Principal Secretary (T), NCHAC that there must be no objection to lift stone boulders from rivers by NF Railway within Dima Hasao.
"An official statement of this nature by the State's Chief Minister is a worrying indication to the bureaucracy, the message being that they have a carte blanche to destroy the prerogative powers of the Autonomous Council," stated a press communiqué issued by the party.
It stated, "It further validates the notion that the ruling dispensation intends to dilute the provisions of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India. However, now the onus is upon the Chief Executive Member of NCHAC to show that autonomy is justly preserved and respected."
While considering the sanction of the Final Location Survey of Silchar-Lanka alternate rail route via Chandranathpur by the Railway Board, the TMC party also expressed its disappointment that the interest of Dima Hasao had been overlooked since the district headquarter will remain cut off with the alternate route. Moreover, it is feared that the existing rail route will be abandoned.
Further, the TMC party also sought clarifications from the authority concerned on the "ulterior motive if the purpose is to export the minor mineral resources available in Umrongso area."
Having regard to the alternate rail route, the TMC party feels that the CEM, NCHAC could insist for diversion of Mahur- Tamenglong road, a central project under NHIDCL towards Maibang. "Now therefore, why a proposal could not be made before the Railway Board by the same authority i.e, CEM, for diversion or creation of Diyungbra- Haflong rail route prior to preparation of working details and making of accurate cost estimate for the newly-sanctioned alternate rail route between Silchar-Lanka?" The TMC reiterated that the NF Railway must concentrate on the existing rail route with effective and sound engineering.
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