By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 28: The Khasi Authors’ Society (KAS) has officially distanced itself from its president, D.R.L. Nonglait’s decision to contest the upcoming Shillong Parliamentary By-election as the National People’s Party (NPP) candidate.
In a statement issued to clear the air amid widespread discussions in the media, the Society clarified that Nonglait’s decision to enter the electoral fray is purely his personal choice and has no connection with the KAS.
“The Society comprises members from diverse professions and walks of life, including doctors, engineers, farmers, politicians, academicians, artists, designers, religious leaders, and representatives of traditional institutions. All have contributed significantly to literature in their respective fields,” the statement read.
The KAS further noted that since its inception, the Society has counted eminent politicians, scholars, technocrats, bureaucrats, and other distinguished personalities among its members. While there has never been any restriction on individual members participating in politics or religious activities in their personal capacity, the Society as a collective body has always maintained strict political and religious neutrality, focusing solely on the promotion and advancement of literature.
The Society added that Nonglait had formally informed the executive about his decision and had temporarily handed over his responsibilities to the Vice-President. The matter was subsequently placed before the general council, which accepted the arrangement.
Nonglait was recently declared as the NPP candidate for the Shillong Parliamentary By-election, pitting him against VPP’s Batskhem Myrboh, Congress’s Vincent H. Pala and UDP’s Vivan G.K. Kynta for the yet-to-be-announced electoral battle.
