By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 4: Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) nominee for the lone Rajya Sabha seat, James P.K. Sangma, on Thursday said he would raise key issues, such as the long-pending demands for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and the inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, in Parliament.
Sangma, who is expected to file his nomination papers on Friday for the June 18 Rajya Sabha election, also said that he would continue to seek the guidance of outgoing Rajya Sabha member, Wanwei Roy Kharlukhi.
Talking to a section of reporters, Sangma expressed gratitude to the MDA leadership for reposing their faith in him.
“I feel honoured and I am very grateful to the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Ministers and all the leaders of the MDA, including the UDP, HSPDP, BJP and Independent legislators, for entrusting me with this very important responsibility,” he said.
Stating that the Rajya Sabha provides an important national platform, Sangma said he would strive to raise issues affecting not only Meghalaya but the entire Northeast.
“As a representative of Meghalaya, I will have the opportunity to voice concerns and raise issues that are important to our state and the region but often do not receive adequate attention at the national level,” he said.
Asked about the demand for the implementation of ILP and the inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule, Sangma said both issues would be among his top priorities.
“These are issues on which the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly has already passed resolutions. It is my bounden duty to take them up. This goes without saying,” he said.
According to him, several other important issues concerning the state would require sustained advocacy at the national level.
To a query, he said he would follow up on the projects and the initiatives taken up by Kharlukhi.
“I am very thankful to Dr. Kharlukhi for the role he has played as a member of the Rajya Sabha. There are many matters and projects that are still ongoing, and I will definitely follow them up. I will also seek his guidance and advice as I take forward these issues in Parliament,” said Sangma who is expected to win the Rajya Sabha poll with ease.
