SHILLONG, Jan 30: Congress candidate from Nongthymmai, Allan Victor Lyngdoh has called for stricter regulations on the issuance of trading licences by district councils to safeguard the business interests of local indigenous tribes.
“There should be proper scrutiny before issuing or renewing trading licences. These licences should not be granted for 80 per cent of businesses or trades that local youth are capable of managing on their own,” Lyngdoh told reporters after filing his nomination at ISBT, Mawlai Mawiong, on Thursday.
Expressing concern over the indiscriminate issuance of trading licenses, he cited the cement plants in Jaintia Hills as an example. “It is disheartening to see that the majority of top positions in these cement plants are held by outsiders, while local people are relegated to lower-rank jobs such as sweepers. This kind of ‘anti-tribal’ policy is unacceptable, especially when there are many qualified local youth who can take up leadership roles,” Lyngdoh said.
When asked about the decision of sitting NPP MDC and KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM), Pyniaid Sing Syiem, to contest from Nongthymmai this time, Lyngdoh declined to comment on Syiem’s switch from Sohryngkham to Nongthymmai. However, he stated that election outcomes would ultimately depend on the support of the constituency’s voters.
Lyngdoh also revealed that he would not have contested the election if not for the passing of sitting MDC, Latiplang Kharkongor. “I had always supported him since his first contest in 2004. Even this time, I would have continued to support him had he been running,” Lyngdoh said, adding that he is related to Kharkongor on his father’s side.
Responding to a query, he mentioned that sitting Nongthymmai MLA Charles Pyngrope had assured him of his support in the election.
When asked whether Pyngrope would campaign for him, Lyngdoh said, “It would be better to ask him that question directly.”
