Nongstoin by poll: Candidates battle it out on open stage

NONGSTOIN: In a first of its kind in Meghalaya, three candidates vying for the prestigious Nongstoin seat came together on a single platform for a public debate organised by Kyrwoh News Broadcaster (KNB), Nongstoin on Monday at the DRDA Guest House at New Nongstoin.
The three candidates – Gabriel Wahlang of the Congress, Diosstarness Jyndiang of HSPDP and Independent candidate Fenela L Nonglait – highlighted their views and opinion on hot topics like the Village Administration Bill, ban on coal mining in the State and the development of Nongstoin. Incidentally, UDP candidate Mosklandar Marngar remained conspicuous by his absence from the debate despite being intimated about the programme.
The debate witnessed questions, cross questions and interaction among the three candidates.
The programmed began with a 10-minutes campaign speech by each of the three candidates followed by the debate.
Each of the three candidates tried their best to sway the audience and the panelists with their plans for the people of Nongstoin constituency should they be elected to the State Assembly.
Wahlang promised that if he is elected, he will bring about change and development in Nongstoin as he belongs to the ruling party.
Nonglait said that she will fight for the right of the indigenous people through the cooperation of the public and will oppose laws of the Centre and the State which affect the customs and traditions of the Khasis and Jaintias.
Jyndiang stated that he would follow in the footsteps of late H.S. Lyngdoh.
During the course of the debate,    both Nonglait and Wahlang spoke against implementation of Article 371 in the State as demanded by HSPDP chief Ardent Basaiawmoit. However, Jyndiang batted for urgent implementation of Article 371 in Meghalaya.