By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: As the chief of a rebel group, he had never, in his wildest dreams, thought that he would swear allegiance to the Constitution of India since sovereignty of the Hynniewtrep state was his sole agenda.
However, on Thursday, when his name was announced, he rose and took the pledge as an elected legislator to surrender himself to the Constitution of India.
Life has, indeed, come a full circle for Julius K Dorphang, Independent legislator from Mawhati constituency and the former chief of the outlawed rebel group Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC).
Dorphang confessed to The Shillong Times that he felt elated after he read the line “I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India as by law established; that I will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India; that I will faithfully and conscientiously discharge my duties”.
Dorphang was one of the 58 elected legislators of the 9th Meghalaya Legislative Assembly who took oath on Thursday.
He confessed that taking the oath to uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India was a historic and a new experience for him.
“It was a new experience and I feel happy,” he said.
Dorphang was of the opinion that rebel leaders of the HNLC and other groups in the Northeast can follow his example and enjoy ‘freedom’ coupled with the ‘responsibility’ guaranteed by the Constitution of India.
“There is vast difference between fighting from the jungle and being with the people and fighting for their rights with their blessings through electoral politics.
“After so many years of struggle, I see light at the end of the tunnel which was not the case when I was underground,” Dorphang, who came over ground in 2007, said.
He also stated that the democratic freedom one enjoys after becoming a legislator is quite different from the freedom of a rebel when he is underground.
He reiterated that if the Government entrusts him with the task of initiating negotiation with the rebels, he would be willing to hold talks with the HNLC leadership.
“My colleagues (HNLC cadres) should not remain seated on the other side of the fence and they should come forward for talks,” he said.
On his responsibilities as an elected legislator, Dorphang said he would work hard to provide employment opportunities for the youths.
“The youths should feel that their future is secured and I am committed to work for them,” he said.
He also wished that the political parties and those in the Government should not indulge in petty politics as it would derail development.
Dorphang was also full of praise for Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma and stated that the State will progress well under his strong and dynamic leadership.