SHILLONG: All candidates from Laban-Mawprem district council constituency are optimistic of making it to the KHADC. The constituency has seen the entry of four fresh faces- Ricky Shullai (NCP), Hubert Marbaniang (BJP), Allowis Dohtdong (Independent) and KHNAM’s Bankraw Kharbuli.
The Shillong Times spoke to the candidates ahead of the polls scheduled for Tuesday.
NCP candidate banks on local MLA’s support
Ricky, the nephew of MLA Sanbor Shullai said, “I expect that people will support me like they have supported my uncle all these years. At the same time, I have been with my uncle for the last 7-8 years and people know me… I am quite experienced.”
He also voiced his opposition to MUDA Building By-Laws, and said that it is an election issue as large number of people are facing problem due to it. “Poor people will be at a disadvantageous position if the building by-law is implemented in scheduled areas, ” he said.
Stating that he believed in the adage of ‘talk less and work more’, Ricky said, “As a young person, I don’t want to make hollow promises. People have seen how I have helped them. I am a simple person and I don’t want to make long speeches giving people assurances.”
UDP stands a good chance feels contestant
On the other hand, UDP candidate Frederick Joplang Lyngshiang said that he is getting more time to prepare for the election.
Lyngshiang, who contested the election for the second time, said, “During the last district council election, there was only 1 and half months time for me, but this time I am prepared.”
“As an added advantage, there is hope for UDP since it supports the ruling PDF coalition headed by KHADC CEM P.N. Syiem,” he said.
When asked about the issues that need to be addressed, he said, “The MUDA encroachment issue needs to be resolved, as MUDA cannot encroach into Scheduled lands. As for the Village Administration Bill (VAB), we will follow up on the issue. The need of the hour is to strengthen the traditional institutions. ”
Replying to a query on people’s complaints that representatives make empty promises, Lyngshiang said, “People should choose their candidates wisely. Selecting a candidate on the basis of money power will not herald clean politics.”
On some of the issues that the Laban-Mawprem constituency is facing, the UDP candidate said that poverty is still an issue and there are many unemployed youth in the constituency.
Will declare financial report if elected: BJP
Hubert Marbaniang (BJP), a fresh face in politics, said that it is the ‘opposition’s propaganda’ to term BJP as a communal party, and allayed the fear of the people in this regard.
The BJP candidate said that he is hopeful of a win as people want a change and the major problem in the constituency is poverty.
Referring to the financial crunch faced by the KHADC, the BJP candidate said that the Central Government’s Special Assistance scheme of Rs 133 crore was allocated to the KHADC despite the fact that the BJP did not have any member in the council.
Maintaining that the KHADC is the pillar of the indigenous communities, Marbaniang said, “The power and authority of the KHADC is weakened with every passing day. If the people are willing to give support then we will correct the anomalies.”
Stating that he intends to follow in the footsteps of late BJP MLA T.H. Rangad, who during his tenure as MLA declared the financial report to the people he said, “I would do the same if I get elected as an MDC.”
KHADC laws need to be strengthened, feels HSPDP
HSPDP candidate Banrikupar Wahlang said that the people have regained their faith, trust and support in the party, and added that laws of the KHADC need to be strengthened. “These are hard days for the indigenous communities as there are no laws to protect them with regard to the ownership of land, and it is a cause of concern that the traditional institutions were stripped of their authorities.”
He also added that there is no cooperation and unity among the traditional institutions.
Ind candidate opposes issuance of trading license to non-tribals
Allowis Dohtdong (Independent) said that the foremost issue that needs to be addressed is curbing the alleged rampant issuing of trading licenses to non-tribals by the KHADC and inter-community marriages. “We have found that even vendors are having trading licenses. (Contd on P-11)
Laban-Mawprem…
(Contd from P-3) Non-tribals are taking advantage of the innocence of Khasi girls by marrying them with an ulterior motive to carry out benami transactions,” he said.
According to Dohtdong, the KHADC has misused funds. “We have seen only the fund raisers and not the lawmakers,” Dohtdong added.
The Independent candidate maintained that he will bring in transparency if the people elect him as an MDC.
Immigrants a threat: KHNAM
KHNAM’s Bankhraw Kharbuli said he is hopeful of a positive response from the people of the constituency.
According to him, the issue that needs to be addressed is the amendment of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution. “The Sixth Schedule needs to be amended and there is a need to revoke the Para 12 (A). The KHADC is a platform to voice our concerns for the welfare of the Khasi community,” he said.
Regarding the problems in the constituency, Kharbuli alleged that the constituency is overwhelmed by immigrants who are a threat to the indigenous community and this needs urgent attention.
