By Ibankyntiew Mawrie
SHILLONG: Young candidates contesting in the February 23 election have urged people and youth in particular to support their candidature in order to realize a State where the future of youngsters is bright.
Ahead of Valentines Day on Thursday, when young people across the State will greet each other with roses, cards and gifts, several candidates while wishing the youngsters on the occasion, asked them to vote for ‘youth development’.
As many as 19 out of the 345 candidates contesting in the upcoming Assembly election are below the age of 30. 11 of the ‘youngsters’ will battle it out as Independents, two candidates each will contest from HSPDP and UDP respectively while the INC, BJP, LJP and NCP will field one each.
Putting more stress on youth developmental projects and ways to curb corruption, the contestants have come forward with a pledge to address the several problems faced especially by the youths of the State.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, Congress candidate from Mawryngkneng Pynehborlang Mukhim (27) promised to introduce projects which would benefit the youth of the State in the long run. “No denying to the fact that the youth are the future, hence, it is important to lead them in the right direction while protecting and making them aware of their rights”, Mukhim said.
Spreading the message of peace and love on Valentine’s Day, the 27-year old Congress candidate said the youth should preserve moral values and avoid getting involved in militant activities.
He also expressed the need for more young people to join the political arena.
One of the youngest candidates, Pyniaid Sing Syiem (26), HSPDP contesting from Mawryngkneng said his main motive in contesting in the ensuing polls is to make an attempt to negate and generate awareness on the ‘evil role’ money played during election.
“I am taking one step as a man to lead my people in the right track and prevent them from becoming the victims of money power,” he said.
“People should also realize that there is a need to elect young and dynamic leaders who keep track of the problems faced by the youth,” said.
Stating that he stood for clean and transparent governance, Syiem said he will not woo voters with money, alcohol and other items but with leadership quality he possessed.
On the same note, 27-year-old Raju G Momin contesting from Rongjeng constituency on a UDP ticket promised education for the illiterate youth while stating that literacy was a powerful tool to fight social ills.
Urging more young people to join politics, Momin said under development in the State and Garo Hills in particular, has called for active participation of the youth to join the political arena and lead the nation forward.
Independent candidate from Baghmara, Arjun W Momin (30) said if voted to power, development of the constituency is the foremost issue in his agenda while ruing the fact that despite being the home town of Meghalaya’s first chief Minister Captain WA Sangma, his constituency is still very backward.
Mentioning peace, prosperity and development as his message for Valentine’s Day, Momin said if the youth are aware of the current situation of the State and come forward to join politics, there is a possibility that Meghalaya will prosper in all aspects.
The names of the 19 young candidates are Pynehborlang Mukhim (27 years) of INC and Pyniaid Sing Syiem (26) and Paskal Lyngkhoi (28) (HSPDP) from Mawryngkneng and Nongpoh respectively, Kyrshanlang Nongshli (30) of LJP from Mawhati, Raju G Momin (27) and Susana D Sangma (27) (UDP) from Rongjeng and Phulbari constituencies respectively, Phillip A Sangma (30) of BJP from Rajabala, Mafiara T Sangma (26) of NCP from Mahendraganj and Independent candidates –Teilinia Thangkhiew (30) from Mylliem, Dunno Nongpluh (29) from Amlarem, Lowis Sangma (30) from Mawshynrut, Tim Chisim (26) from Rajabala, Roger Benny A Sangma (26) from North Tura, Kunal Ch Momin (28) from South Tura, Rightious N Sangma (29) from Salmanpara, Rakseng R Sangma (27) and Jhim Carter M Sangma (26) from Gambegre, Rakkam A Sangma (29) from Rongara Siju and Arjun W Momin (30) from Baghmara constituency.