By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 13: The Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) said the much-talked-about unification of all regional forces in the state is not feasible now.
“In the present context, the possibility of the unification of regional parties will not take place. But we can always explore the possibility of working together under one umbrella,” HSPDP president, KP Pangniang told reporters on Monday.
According to him, it is imperative that the regional parties work together and become a formidable force ahead of Assembly elections, due early 2023.
He suggested that Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) and People’s Democratic Front (PDF) can take the first step forward by joining the Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA) where United Democratic Party and HSPDP are components.
“This way, we can raise issues afflicting the state in a more effective manner. I don’t think it should be a problem since we have similar issues and agenda,” the HSPDP president said.
He claimed the defection of 12 Congress MLAs to All India Trinamool Congress will benefit the regional parties. “We have always read reports of internal rumblings in the Congress camp. It is in the open after the split,” Pangniang said.
He appealed to people to give the regional parties a chance to lead the government in 2023.
“The national parties have always claimed that only they can provide a stable government. But the reality is that they cannot form the government in the state without the regional forces,” he said.
He further said the priorities of the national parties are issues of national importance.
“We have seen on many occasions that they failed to give importance to the issues affecting the people of the state. But, the regional parties will always raise issues which cater to the interest of the citizens of the state,” the HSPDP chief claimed.
Meanwhile, Pangniang said the HSPDP has decided to impress upon the state government to urge the Centre to exempt Meghalaya from the application of Para 12 AB of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
“The party has raised this issue from time to time. We are aware that the land belongs to the people as per the land tenure system in the state,” he said, adding people cannot do mining since Para 12 AB is applicable in Meghalaya.
Pangniang said under paragraph 12(b), the Governor of Assam has the power to notify and direct that any Act of Parliament shall not apply to an autonomous district or an autonomous region in the state of Assam or shall apply to such region in the state, or shall apply to such district or region or any part thereof subject to such exceptions or modifications as he may specify in the notification and any such direction may be given so as to have retrospective effect.
Pangniang said it is essential that necessary amendment is made in the interest of Meghalaya.
According to him, several Central Acts and Rules have affected the unique identity, culture, land tenure and demographic structure of Meghalaya.
Earlier, the state Assembly had passed a resolution urging the President of India to exempt the applicability of the Conservation of Forest Act, 1980 and the MMDR Act, 1957.
“But, it is very unfortunate to state that the same has been turned down by the President of India. Many more legislations, which may be enacted by the Parliament in future and may not be feasible for Meghalaya, may, therefore, be protected by amending Paragraph 12A (b) of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution,” Pangniang said.