Dorphang slams KHNAM chief Adelbert
SHILLONG: Mawhati legislator and former chairman of the banned HNLC, Julius Dorphang, on Tuesday came down heavily on Adelbert Nongrum’s statement questioning the State government for delaying action against militants “who are roaming free despite being booked under various criminal acts”.
Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Dorphang challenged Nongrum to an open debate and said, “I am ready for an open debate anytime, anywhere and anyplace.”
He asserted that for any complaints regarding his previous subversive activities, Nongrum should have approached the court of law.
It may be reminded that KHNAM leader Adelbert Nongrum had recently expressed opposition to the arrest of a driver under Section 307 IPC for hitting Chief Minister Mukul Sangma’s official car and had argued that the State government was swift in arresting hapless people belonging to poor background whereas no action was being taken against criminals.
Reacting sharply at Nongrum’s statement, Dorphang said he had no connection with the collision incident but Nongrum behaved like the judge and the jury. “If he has anything personal against me, he should go to the court of law, there is no harm,” Dorphang added.
Member of Mawhati Constituency Political Committee, Aldous Nongpoh, criticized Nongrum and said, “It is not sound to slander a fellow representative.”
However, in an attempt to subside the bad blood between Dorphang and Nongrum arising out of the latter’s criticism, the former said, “I respect him as a leader of the people.”
As to the criminal charges pressed against him during his stint as HNLC chairman, Dorphang stated that the law will take its own course of action.
Reacting to a query on charges of sedition being pressed against him, he asserted that it was the task of the Law department to look into the matter.