KHNAM pledge-taking to stop defection

SHILLONG: The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) conducted its pledge-taking ceremony for the second time on Tuesday to ensure that “the party’s candidates refrain from shifting allegiance after their election to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council”.
The three KHNAM candidates who will contest the December 13 by-polls pledged to serve the indigenous community and refrain from “politics of self and pelf” in front of the statue of legendary freedom fighter U Tirot Sing on the premises of State Central Library on Tuesday.
The party’s president, Pyndapborthiaw Saibon, administered the pledge to Bankhraw Singh Kharbuli from Laban-Mawprem, Edarstar Lyngdoh Nongbri from Nongkrem and Pyndapborlang Lyngdoh Marshyllong from Pariong-Mawthadraishan.
In the last district council election in 2014, KHNAM had at least four MDCs in the KHADC but after a year, the party was left with only two members. In this context, Saibon said none of the autonomous councils has anti-defection law, “which is the root cause of the instability”.
He called for an anti-defection law to bring about stability.
On winning the by-polls, the KHNAM president said the party conducted a proper assessment before fielding the candidates and the feedback was positive.
KHNAM working president Adelbert Nongrum said the party refused to give tickets to many candidates who approached “as they prioritised money matters”.