Separate state tops HSPDP poll manifesto

SHILLONG, Feb 2: The demand for the creation of a Khasi-Jaintia state as per Article 371 of the Constitution remains at the top of the HSPDP’s 27-point election manifesto that was released on Thursday.
“We promise that we will bring about good governance and ensure a corruption-free government if we are a part of it. We will ensure that there is no disparity among the citizens when it comes to services provided by the various government departments,” HSPDP president KP Pangniang told reporters after releasing the manifesto.
He said the party will continue to oppose the introduction of railways in the state till the time the state government is able to put in place an effective mechanism to deal with the problem of influx of illegal immigrants.
“We will also continue to oppose any proposal for uranium mining and aggressively work toward solving the state’s long-pending boundary dispute with Assam,” he said.
The party promised that it would insist there is transparency in the recruitment process in the state government.
“We will also push to review the existing job reservation policy which has been in operation for the past 50 years. It is time to improve the policy,” Pangniang said.
He said the party will impress upon the Centre to implement Inner Line Permit as the Assembly has already passed a resolution in this connection. The party will also demand the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and try to strengthen the existing Land Transfer Act and other land laws, he said.
“We will also try to strengthen the District Council as per the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and in accordance with Article 244 (2),” the HSPDP president said.
Stating that the party will give special emphasis on the development of the tourism sector for the creation of employment opportunities for the locals, he said it will also focus on the development of the culture of entrepreneurship with emphasis on skill development.
The party favours the upgradation of various CHCs, PHCs and health sub-centres across the state. It promised to come up with the State Regulated Policy to improve and uplift the education sector.
The party on Thursday released the second list of its four candidates – KHADC MDC Martle N Mukhim (Mawkynrew), veteran journalist Starfing Jove Langpen Pdahkasiej (Mawsynram), Wyraiwan Sohtun (Mawryngkneng) and Sandondor Ryntathiang (Sohiong). With these, the names of 11 candidates have been announced so far.