By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The KHADC Executive Committee (EC) was severely criticised for not taking action against the Myntri of Hima Mylliem Mahindro Rapsang for taking part in active politics without relinquishing his responsibility as the Myntri.
While referring to Section 20 of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Appointment and Succession of Syiem, Deputy Syiem, Electors and Rangbah Shnongs of Mylliem Syiemship) Act, 2007, UDP Nongthymmai MDC Latiplang Kharkongor said that the Myntri is not allowed to take part in active politics as per the Act.
“I am surprised that the EC has not taken cognizance of this fact. A complaint was lodged with the KHADC CEM Pyngshngain N Syiem in December 9, 2011 against Rapsang for joining active politics without relinquish his office of the Myntri,” Kharkongor said during the Question Hour on the first day of the budget session in the KHADC here on Tuesday.
He demanded that the EC should take necessary action against the Myntri for violating the Act which was passed by the Council.
Meanwhile, senior HSPDP MDC from Mawkyrwat Enbin K Raswai also felt that the EC should respect the Act which was approved by the Governor.
“I do not think it is appropriate on the part of the EC to overlook the provisions of law,” Raswai said while also maintaining that he has nothing against the Myntri whose name has been dragged into this controversy. The lone KHNAM MDC Adelbert Nongrum also expressed his disappointment over the failure of the EC to take necessary action against the Myntri. “It is distressing to see the law makers themselves become law breakers. Going by the attitude of the EC, I am not surprised at the question raised by certain critic as to why the district councils should not be dissolved,” Nongrum said. He further stated that he did not think it is justified to have a district council if it is not able to deliver as per its mandate. While expressing his disappointment at the performance of the Executive Member in charge Elaka, Lamphrang Blah, Nongrum said, “I don’t think Blah is fit to continue as the EM”.In reply, Blah said that the suspension of the Myntri lies with the Syiem and Dorbar of Mylliem Syiemship.
Meanwhile, sources revealed that the Congress MDCs including top party functionaries are pressurizing the EC to bring an Amendment into the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Appointment and Succession of Syiem, Deputy Syiem, Electors and Rangbah Shnongs of Mylliem Syiemship) Act, 2007. “They want this Amendment to allow Rapsang to continue as the Myntri even while he is in active politics,” sources said. Sources also informed that the party top functionaries are not able to push this Amendment since the KHADC CEM is not amenable to the idea. “The KHADC CEM is of the view that they cannot amend an Act only to suit the interests of one single individual,” sources said.
It may be mentioned that Rapsang has reportedly sought Congress ticket from 18 Shillong West Constituency to contest the upcoming 2013 Assembly election. His main rival will be sitting MLA Paul Lyngdoh
