By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 5: The National People’s Party (NPP) on Thursday asked the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) to come and contest elections instead of issuing “diktats” from distant lands.
The party wondered if the HNLC is affiliated to any political party.
“You cannot decide from the jungle what happens in the government. Come and contest elections. Be in a position while you give such opinions. What is this diktat? I don’t understand,” said Cabinet Minister and NPP leader Ampareen Lyngdoh.
Recently, the HNLC demanded immediate parity in political representation and ministerial positions for Khasi and Jaintia MLAs in the current government.
Further, it demanded a rotational chief minister system to ensure equitable leadership among all communities of the state and developmental justice, with equal allocation of resources and attention to the Khasi and Jaintia regions, “which have been neglected for decades.”
Stating that she has not seen the statement, Lyngdoh said, “You cannot be a bogus player again and again on the field. Nothing stops you from contesting the elections if you are in cohort with some political parties. Let us know which is this political party that you are supporting.”
“Do not infuse this communal mindset. We have to fight collectively against the oppressor and do not oppress us further and divide us,” she further said, adding, “…you will have to file your nominations and come to the field and fight an election. It is then that you will be in a position to talk.”
Stating that NPP is a pan-Meghalaya party, she said it respects all religions, communities and it has one agenda.
“Let’s strengthen ourselves and have a firm voice against the government of India so that it starts listening to our needs,” she said.
Citing the ethnic conflict in Manipur, Lyngdoh said such diktats resulted negatively. “Are we forgetting what is happening in Manipur? Do you want to see something like that?” she asked.
She reminded that coalition politics in Meghalaya is age-old and the state is a maestro of it.