Council chief says common issues unite regional forces
SHILLONG: HSPDP has extended support to the People’s Democratic Forum (PDF) coalition led by suspended Congress member and KHADC chief executive member P.N Syiem adding an advantage to PDF that is already backed by KHNAM and UDP.
With HSPDP’s support, PDF’s strength has risen to 22 out of the effective number of 29 members in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council.
In a letter addressed to Syiem, HSPDP said, “The reason for our support is to provide stability to the current executive committee headed by you as the CEM. At the same time, we also urge you to continue to take up issues pertaining to our customs and traditions for the welfare of our indigenous populace.”
The letter bears the signature of HSPDP parliamentary party leader Teilinia Thangkhiew, its secretary and newly elected MDC Samlin Malniang and its members B.B Warjri and P.S Syiem.
The CEM said he had accepted the letter “with an objective to bring stability” to the executive committee and that the union of the regional parties is driven by the common issues. “PDF is now a combination of regional forces with me as the suspended Congress member.”
Syiem was quick to add that the stability as mentioned was not for the CEM’s seat but to strengthen the indigenous community as PDF would be in a better position to raise local issues.
“They have understood that protection of the rights of the people is the common interest. PDF’s strength has now increased to 22 and we expect some more MDCs to join hands with us,” he said and added that the support comes in the wake of the Congress trying to destabilise PDF.
The KHADC chief enumerated the issues that would be flagged by PDF. Of these are the boundary issue as mooted by HSPDP leader Ardent Basaiawmoit and the MUDA and municipal issues driven by KHNAM leader Adelbert Nongrum. “PDF will also carry on the agenda of the common minimum programme along with its partners.”
When asked on vacant posts of executive members, he said, “Three seats are vacant and every individual is qualified.”