By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 12: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) representing three polling stations — Misei, Mawsmai, and Langdongdai — has urged the KHADC to reattach 21 villages to Mawshynrut constituency in West Khasi Hills. The JAC on Thursday expressed their discontent with the recent decision to include these villages under the Rambrai-Jyrngam constituency.
Talking to reporters after meeting Deputy Chief Executive Member (CEM) Pynshngain N Syiem, chairman of the JAC, Jerimaiah Dkhar said that they were surprised by the decision of the select committee constituted by the KHDAC to attach the 21 villages with Rambrai-Jyrngam under the three polling stations since they were not part of the hearing conducted by the committee on August 20.
Dkhar further questioned the basis of the select committee’s decision, asserting, “We would like to know how the select committee took the decision when they had clearly voiced their preference to remain under the Mawshynrut constituency before the delimitation committee.”
The delimitation committee had initially included the three polling stations in Mawshynrut. However, the JAC remains puzzled by the select committee’s divergence from this recommendation. “We would like to condemn the people who are instrumental in pressurising the select committee to change the recommendations of the delimitation committee,” Dkhar added.
During the meeting, Deputy CEM Syiem reportedly assured the JAC that efforts would be made to revert the three polling stations to Mawshynrut. According to Dkhar, the JAC is firm in its stance and will boycott the upcoming election if their demands are not met.
Sources indicate that the select committee’s decision was influenced by three MDCs from Mawshynrut, Rambrai-Jyrngam, and Nongstoin, who advocated for aligning district council constituencies with Assembly constituencies.
The Deputy CEM, however, explained, “The select committee made adjustments to ensure that the district council constituencies mirror the Assembly constituencies as much as possible.”
Despite acknowledging the petition from the 21 villages to remain with Mawshynrut, Syiem remarked that it is too late to reverse the decision.