Syiem seeks Centre help in punishing Shangpliang

SHILLONG: Suspended Congress member PN Syiem has sought the Centre’s intervention in the case of IAS officer turned politician Himalaya Shangpliang.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Syiem alleged that the former bureaucrat became a politician “even before he resigned” from his post.
“It is evident from the video clipping that he (Shangpliang) misused his position as an IAS officer.
There were complaints from KSU Lawbah, Sordar of Shella and Nongtrai headman,” he said.
In July, a video was circulated that showed Shangpliang praising the Lawbah units at Lawbah area of Mawsynram constituency.
The KHADC CEM said Shangpliang’s entry into politics proved that he had misused his official position.
Slamming the Congress government for protecting Shangpliang, Syiem said there should be an inquiry ordered and demanded punitive action against the former bureaucrat.
NPP and PDF front runners
Syiem observed that the National People’s Party (NPP) and the People’s Democratic Front (PDF) would be leading the ensuing elections in 2018.
Most of the PDF MDCs and ticket aspirants have announced that Syiem is the leader of PDF though he has not yet resigned from the Congress.
On speculations about his joining NPP, Syiem said, “That is very wrong. I will join any party minus NPP.”
However, he is not averse to post-poll alliance with NPP and may talk to NPP leaders about the matter.
Commenting on the prospect of the Congress in the 2018 Assembly elections, he recalled the names of disgruntled leaders like Rowell Lyngdoh, Sniawbhalang Dhar, Ngaitlang Dhar, Prestone Tynsong and himself.
“The Congress has failed miserably. As for their talks of getting 20-30 candidates, it will be seen after the results of the election are declared,” he said and added that it would be difficult for the Congress to come back to power and signs of the weakness were reflected in the decisions of prominent leaders like Roshan Warjri and RC Laloo.
Both Warjri and Laloo have decided against contesting the elections.