SHILLONG: With tussle over funds among MDCs of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) almost becoming a regular affair in the KHADC, preservation and strengthening of the customary practices appear to have been neglected.
Commenting on the common financial affairs, secretary of Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA), Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar from the HSPDP, observed that the row created by the MDCs over funds provided by the central government appears foolish to the outside world.
The RDA is a combination of United Democratic Party (UDP) and Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP).
According to him, the state government has the responsibility to look after the developmental activities.
The focus of the MDCs should have been on monitoring and legislating customary laws and looking after village administration, clans and others.
Lyngdoh defended KHADC CEM Teinwell Dkhar asserting it is too early to conclude that he is incompetent since he has been in office for less than 2 months.
“I don’t see the CEM as incapable. It is too early to say that he is incapable, give him time to perform. After 6 months, the performance can be gauged,” he said.
The HSPDP has directed its MDCs to not act in haste during the political rumbling in the KHADC.
He said the MDCs are disciplined and they are still with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the ruling coalition in the KHADC.
“I have suggested to the CEM to hold a meeting with the disgruntled MDCs to arrive at an understanding and settle the matter. Differences and miscommunication do exist but these should be resolved across the table. I hope that the matter will be resolved,” Lyngdoh said.
On the other hand, he informed that that there are unconfirmed reports that some of the MDCs, who resigned, are likely to withdraw their resignation.
When asked on the reason for the resignations, Lyngdoh said, “The reason is not clear. There may not have been discussions on allotment of funds. They took offence that the CEM did not consult them. I have advised the CEM to take them into confidence.”
Three Executive Members (EMs) — NPP MDCs Mitchell Wankhar and Victor Ranee and People’s Democratic Front’s (PDF) Macdalyn Mawlong submitted their resignations on Tuesday.
Beside the EMs, chairpersons of the advisory committees, independent MDCs Latiplang Kharkongor and Lambor Malngiang and NPP MDC Gigur Myrthong also tendered their resignations on Tuesday.
