‘Anti-defection law to ensure stability’

SHILLONG: The chairman of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), PN Syiem, has said there will be stability in the district councils once an anti-defection law is implemented.
Syiem had earlier entered into a war of words with Deputy CEM Pyniaid Sing Syiem over certain comments made inside the House by the latter.
Syiem said that as chairman of the council, it is his duty to guide the members to do their homework properly and not requiring notice all the time, reminding the Deputy CEM of his duties to guide the House.
Asserting that there is no difference in the party following the dispute, he added that Pyniad Syiem is a very junior MDC and he should be guided by the rules.
On being asked if such disputes could ultimately lead to toppling of the Executive Committee (EC) and provoke rumblings in the Council, the chairman said it would depend on leadership in the absence of any anti-defection law.
“It should be the duty of the CEM to take everyone along and decide on the issues collectively,” he added.
Asserting that there are no cracks in the EC, Syiem said that there will not be any problem if grievances of the MDCs are addressed.
“The proposed amendment (to the Sixth Schedule) to bring in an anti-defection law is yet to be approved and will take time. Once we have it, stability will be attained in the council,” Syiem said.
Last month, Deputy Chief Minister and National People’s Party leader Prestone Tynsong had urged members of the ruling coalition in the KHADC to ensure stability of the EC. The advice followed a squabble between two MDCs of the NPP.