By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 11: The United Democratic Party (UDP) on Thursday celebrated its 28th foundation day, resolving to rekindle regional aspirations and uphold the legacy of its late founding leaders.
During the celebrations, party leaders paid tributes to former chief ministers and stalwarts including the party’s founding president EK Mawlong, BB Lyngdoh, Dr Donkupar Roy, and others for their contributions in shaping both the party and the state.
UDP general secretary Titosstarwell Chyne described the occasion as a reminder of the party’s strong foundation and guiding principles laid down by its founding leaders. He reiterated that the UDP was formed with the objective of uniting various regional forces. “We have seen that people are questioning why there is division among the regional parties. The UDP will continue to pursue the objective of unifying the regional forces,” Chyne said.
He added that the party also seeks to carry forward the legacy of the All Party Hill Leaders’ Conference (APHLC), which spearheaded the Hill State movement.
Chyne recalled that the UDP was formed 28 years ago through the merger of the Hills People’s Union, HSPDP, and PDIC.
It may be mentioned that while the majority of HSPDP leaders joined the merger, its late supremo Hoping Stone Lyngdoh opted out to keep the party independent.
Looking ahead, Chyne said the UDP aspires to lead the state government in order to provide clean, effective, and corruption-free governance. “We would like to unite the various indigenous tribes of the state,” he said, adding that while the party is committed to fulfilling promises made to the people, it is not possible to satisfy everyone.
The foundation day began with flag hoisting at party offices in the morning. In the evening, UDP Shillong City leaders, led by Chyne and working president Paul Lyngdoh, visited Asha Bhavan and the two New Hope Centres for boys and girls run by the KJP Assembly, where they distributed food packets and gifts.