By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: While expressing satisfaction over the decision of the Election Commission (EC) of India to retain the identity of KHNAM as a political party in the State, its president Pyndap Saiborne on Thursday came down heavily on the former president Paul Lyngdoh for attempting to forcefully dissolve the party.
Divulging the contents of the letter received by the KHNAM president on Wednesday from the EC, Saiborne said “No matter how forcefully Lyngdoh tries to scrap off the KHNAM as a political party, it will never be successful.”
“The decision taken by the EC is right and we can say that this is the victory of a small political party which is fighting and working for the betterment of the indigenous community,” he said.
Jaiaw MDC Adelbert Nongrum said “This recognition of the KHNAM party by the EC only goes to show that we are here to stay and it is a sign that we are based on a true identity and traditional roots.”
Saiborne, meanwhile, informed that the party is going to field 8-10 candidates in the election.
So far the party has named three candidates including Adelbert Nongrum from Shillong North, Pyndap Saiborne from Mawlai and H Wanniang from Mawkyrwat.
The KHNAM president, while refuting reports that some of the aspirants who were denied the Congress tickets had approached the party. “Till date, we have not received any official report but talks have been going on and if there is such an approach, then we are willing to welcome them,” Saiborne added.
Saiborne also concurred with Nongkrem legislator Ardent Basaiawmoit’s call for unity amongst the smaller political parties in the State.
He, however, stated that this pre-poll alliance between the smaller political parties in the State should not end after the election.
“We are willing to unite with other parties like the HSPDP even while maintaining our own identity,” Saiborne said.