Adelbert gets his way about council poll candidate

SHILLONG: Adelbert Nongrum, who claims to be the new KHNAM president, on Monday announced the name of Glenbert Khongwir as the candidate from Mawkhar-Pynthorumkhrah for next year’s district council election.
Nongrum also announced the name of THS Bonney as the newly elected general secretary of the party, as the candidate for the Lok Sabha election from Shillong parliamentary seat. Bonney’s name was struck down by the previous central executive committee (CEC) of the KHNAM.
The previous CEC had already announced Rocky Hek, who is related to Cabinet minister AL Hek, as its candidate from Mawkhar-Pynthorumkhrah that had led to discord between Nongrum and KHNAM leader Pyndapbor Saibon.
When asked, Nongrum said the new executive committee of the KHNAM “will not take any responsibility of the decision taken by the Saibon-led CEC”.
“The new body will ensure that it sets up candidates who are willing to work for the cause of the indigenous community. We don’t want to send MDCs who will defect from one party to another,” he said.
The Election Commission of India has recognised the lone KHNAM legislator as the new president of the party. It also informed that the new address of the KHNAM, Jaiaw Lower Lansonalane, House No 32 & Ward No 14 and holding No 65, Shillong, East Khasi Hills District has been noted on record.
To a query, Nongrum said being the lone legislator of the party, he had the opportunity to merge with other parties but he decided against it to ensure unity among party members and supporters.