SHILLONG: Pyniaid Sing Syiem, NPP MDC from Sohryngkham Constituency, has been elected as Chairman of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) unopposed on Wednesday.
It was a break from tradition as the MDCs shunned physical embracing following the social distancing protocol in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The other MDCs stood in their place with folded hands rather than coming forward to greet him except for some MDCs who put on the shawl and the traditional Khasi beads necklace on Syiem.
In return, he also responded with folded hands.
Syiem, in his speech, called upon the MDCs to read the text of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, especially Para 3 and 8.
“We have our roles to play — to serve the people of the state. We can come up with ideas to preserve our identity,” he said.
Meanwhile, Council CEM Titos Chyne said that the MDCs did not make a mistake in choosing Pyniaid as the chairman as he is experienced. Chyne added that the AD Rules need to be amended as there are many lacunas.
Former chairman and Independent MDC PN Syiem said, “Every chairman has their own style and art”.
He observed that very often the Council deviates from the rules and has advised the newly-elected chairman to update himself on the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Councils) Rules, 1951.
The senior-most MDC, Bindo Lanong, echoed the CEM in asserting that Pyniaid is an experienced legislator, however, he said that he is new to chairmanship of Council.
Further, Congress MDC Ronnie Lyngdoh said that the position of chairman assumes importance at a time when “outside forces” undermine values of democracy and democratic institutions.
