Adelbert dumps Lapang plea to call off stir

SHILLONG: Former KHADC CEM Adelbert Nongrum, who has been on indefinite hunger strike since May 16 demanding approval to KHAD (Village Administration) Bill, 2014, has shot down the State Government’s Chief Adviser DD Lapang’s request to call off agitation saying “There is no commitment from the government regarding passing of the Bill.” “In the past, we had a bitter experience of Government not fulfilling its commitment. The best example is the inter-state boundary dispute with Assam,” Nongrum told newsmen on Sunday, hours after Lapang made the appeal.The ex-CEM made it clear that he would continue his agitation till the State government passes the Bill.Nongrum also appreciated the stand taken by the newly-appointed KHADC CEM Pynshngaiñ N Syiem on the issue.Earlier in the day, Lapang appealed to Nongrum and his supporters to call off their indefinite hunger strike “since the State Government has taken measures for the passing of the KHAD (Village Administration) Bill, 2014.”
The former Chief Minister made this appeal while addressing newsmen on Sunday.Strike attracts more people: The ongoing hunger strike by Adelbert Nongrum at Civil Hospital Junction has started attracting more peopleThe Chairman of North East Indigenous People Federation (NEIPF) Marshall Biam has urged the people of the State to lend their full support to Nongrum since the issue has been taken up for the benefit of the people of Meghalaya. Earlier three HANM members joined the hunger strike supporting him. In a statement issued here on Sunday, Biam said that all the headmen and their organizations should come together under the same platform and demand the passing of the Village Administration Bill as in its absence the tradition and customs will be in great danger.Biam also urged the State Government to ensure the smooth and immediate passing of the Bill if the Government wished to maintain peace and harmony within the state. Biam has also met Nongrum and discussed the issue.