SHILLONG, Feb 6: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) on Thursday stated that Article 371 does not feature in the party’s manifesto for the ADC polls as the issue relates to the Parliament and their MP will push for it with the Centre.
“For the ADC elections we have placed those issues that are the matters of the councils,” VPP spokesperson Batskhem Myrboh said.
He said, “People of the state have resoundingly reposed their faith on our MP to take up the matter with the central government. But for this to become a reality, we need to have a state government that really works for the interest of the state and not simply oppose the issue because of the VPP’s involvement.”
Taking a swipe at the UDP, he said, “Had the UDP working president (Paul Lyngdoh) unconditionally apologised to the public for his contrary stand on the issue, his criticism would have some merit.”
“He should know that opposing Article 371 simply because of Bah Ardent (Basaiawmoit) and the VPP is simply immature that does not befit a leader of his stature,” Myrboh added.
UDP leader and Cabinet Minister Paul Lyngdoh had on Wednesday criticised the VPP’s stance on Article 371, stating that a party cannot include an issue in its platform but exclude it from its manifesto. He also asserted that the UDP will educate the public on why Article 371 is not a viable option for Meghalaya.
“This suggests that the party itself is unclear on the issue. As leaders, the first and foremost requirement is clarity of thought. You cannot aspire to enter the centre of power in the KHADC, advocate for Article 371, and then take an oath as MDCs — because that oath is to uphold the Sixth Schedule, which Article 371 contradicts,” he added.
Lyngdoh stressed that the Sixth Schedule and Article 371 cannot coexist within the same system, a fact he described as “clear as daylight”.
Not interested in Article 371: PT Sawkmie
Former Mawlai MLA and independent candidate, Process T Sawkmie made it clear that the UDP was not interested in Article 371, even if the Centre agrees to it. “We want Article 244A of the Constitution to continue to apply to the state,” Sawkmie said.
He emphasised the need to strengthen provisions under the Sixth Schedule to protect the land rights of Khasis. He also advocated for stricter laws to safeguard traditional institutions, culture, and practices of the Khasi indigenous community.
