By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: A day after certain UDP workers expressed their resentment over the proposed merger of KHNAM with their party, UDP working president Bindo M Lanong has denied any difference in the party over the proposed merger.
“The merger decision was endorsed by both the Central Executive Committee (CEC) and the General Council of the party,” Lanong told The Shillong Times here on Saturday.
He further said that during the recent meeting of the CEC it was reaffirmed to welcome KHNAM into the party.
Lanong recalled that during the General Council meeting last year, the members of the party had unanimously resolved on the need for unification of the regional parties.
“This proposed merger of KHNAM with UDP is part of the resolution which was approved by the General Council last year,” he said.
While maintaining that this is not the first time that attempts to unify the regional parties have been made, Lanong said in 1987 the then HSPDP legislators had come forward to be part of a united regional front.
Lanong also recalled that in 1997, EK Mawlong, who later became the Chief Minister, had left the HSPDP to form the UDP.
“This time KHNAM has responded to this call for unification of the regional parties,” he said.
Meanwhile, the UDP working president said that there were some elements trying to mislead the party members over the proposed merger.
Meanwhile, KHNAM president, Paul Lyngdoh, said that this move for the merger was made based on the sound appraisal of the situation.
“This negotiation for the merger has been going on for the past one-and-half years. The UDP leaders are not only happy but are delighted over the merger,” Lyngdoh said while also pointing out that since UDP is a huge organisation, there would be opposition from certain sections.
“It is impossible that everyone would agree to all the decisions,” the KHNAM president added.