SHILLONG: The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has decided to walk alone and said it “will form an alliance with the people” in the ensuing 2018 Assembly elections.
Though there had been a demand from several quarters for all regional parties to come on a common platform before the Assembly elections, only UDP and HSPDP formed an alliance leaving no option for KHNAM but to go it alone. The UDP-HSPDP combine has already announced the seat-sharing equation.
KHNAM working president Adelbert Nongrum said, “Our true alliance is only with the people and not with political parties.”
“KHNAM has decided to walk alone with its principle to accomplish the long-pending aspiration of the people as the very principle is for the people, of the people and by the people,” he added.
Nongrum pointed out that the failure of the political parties in the State led to the formation of the KHNAM, which is focused on fulfilling people’s aspirations.
On Paul Lyngdoh’s exit, he said it was not a setback for the regional party. “Under Lyngdoh’s leadership, in 10 years there were only four MDCs but currently there are four MDCs in just one year,” Nongrum said.
KHNAM is eyeing to contest 36 seats “but it depends… we will go for 10 candidates if we get people who are careful and have the caliber to follow the aims and objectives of KHNAM”.
Nongrum said KHNAM will support the demand for Inner Line Permit (ILP). Uranium mining, reservation policy, urban migration and agriculture are also on its agenda.
“There is also a need to revoke Para 12 (a) of the Sixth Schedule or to bifurcate the subjects of the District Council and the State Government so that there will not be clash of interest,” he said.
Candidates for 2018
KHNAM has announced the names of four candidates till date for the 2018 Assembly elections.
Sitting MDC from Jaiaw Adelbert Nongrum will contest from North Shillong while B.L Nongbri will battle it out from Mawlai. Zaachari Shadap and Moses Kharbithai will be fielded from Mawhati and Mawryngkneng, respectively.
A statement from the spokesperson of the regional party said the party is looking for quality leaders.
