By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 13: UDP leader Titosstarwell Chyne on Monday claimed that during his tenure as the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, he had closed down all the illegal toll gates under the council’s jurisdiction barring the one at Diengpasoh.
He refused to give the reasons why the one in Diengpasoh was not closed down, stating “I don’t want to expose.” At the same time however, he told reporters the “answer” to this will be made known soon.
Diengpasoh village is located in Mawryngkneng subdivision of East Khasi Hills district and falls under the constituency of NPP leader and incumbent CEM of the council Pyniaid Sing Syiem.
Chyne said he has nothing to say about the charges traded between UDP general secretary Jemino Mawthoh and Syiem.
He, however, said, “I saw the statement of Leader of the Opposition (Ronnie V Lyngdoh) when he blamed directly stating that my EC did not take action. He was in the opposition at that time in the district council. Why did he not ask and raise the issue? Why did he keep silent?”
“All the illegal gates were closed down. You can ask the truck association. They recently met the CEM. They had told me that all the illegal gates were closed down,” he said. Recently, the UDP expressed concern over the illegal toll gates with its leaders engaging in a war of words with Syiem on the issue.
Delimitation should not affect MDC polls
Chyne also said that the delimitation of constituencies should not affect the upcoming MDC elections stating that it should not take much time.
He said that if there is an amendment in the Sixth Schedule, there will be an increase in the number of seats for which a delimitation committee is needed.
Chyne recalled that before 2014 elections, Umsning and Laitkroh constituency were done away with during the delimitation process.
He said he will write to the Executive Committee (EC) and the KHADC stating that the delimitation committee should have a timeframe so that affected stakeholders can submit their representation in an appropriate time.