SHILLONG: The chairman of the State Planning Board and Nongkrem MLA, Lambor Malngiang, who is contesting the upcoming election to KHADC, has said that issues like the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill should be eye openers for leaders of the state to safeguard the people’s interests and guard against similar moves in the future.
Addressing the media, Malngiang said that he wants to strengthen the district councils which work toward safeguarding the identity of the indigenous people. He said that the central government’s attempt to foist the CAB on the people should wake up the leaders and they should safeguard the identity of the people. Asserting that he will not discuss about implementation of different projects as the district council is an umbrella to safeguard the rights of the Hynniewtrep people. Malngiang said, “My aim is to serve our people and make sure that our identity is not only protected, but also recognised elsewhere in the country”.
Talking about his candidature, Malngiang said that he had earlier suggested a few names, but the leaders, elders and the people insisted that he should contest and so he gave consent despite also being an MLA.
“My people have confidence and faith in me. I am sure that they will vote in my favour,” he said.
Asked if he thinks that being both an MLA and an MDC gives extra leverage to perform better, Malngiang said, “To perform better depends on capacity. I don’t see it as a burden, but I want to strengthen the laws, rules and regulations to strengthen the autonomous council.”
The KHADC and JHADC polls are slated for February 27 and the counting will be held on March 2.
