By Our Reporter

SHILLONG: UDP working president Bindo Mathew Lanong has exuded confidence that his party will form the next government with like minded parties sans Congress.

“Mark my word on the counting day, we (UDP) will win not less than 20 seats and we might reach upto 26 mark,” Lanong told reporters after filing his nominations here on Monday, the fifth day of submission of nomination of candidates.

According to him, the party is confident of winning all the four seats in Ri-Bhoi and as many as four out of the seven seats under Shillong parliamentary constituency.

“We are also hoping to win four out of the seven seats in Jaintia Hills,” Lanong said.

On the party performance in the East and West Khasi Hills, he said the party is expected to win at least eight seats from both these districts.

“If the party fails to get absolute majority,” the UDP working president said that they would be looking to form the Government with the support of all the like-minded parties.

When ask if the like-minded parties include Congress, he said, “There is a general feeling among people that Congress this time should sit in the opposition.”

“It would be a great thing to see Congress playing a constructive role in the opposition,” Lanong said.

Reacting to the statement of MPCC chief DD Lapang that the problem of infighting is prevailing in all the political parties including UDP, he said, “It is a misleading statement.”

On his own prospect, he said the trend is encouraging.

While people are predicting that his contest against Congress candidate Ampareen Lyngdoh in Shillong East would be close one, Lanong said it would be a landslide victory in his favour “since Ampareen this time is facing a veteran politician and not a green horn.”

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG: A fully functional vigilance commission to check corruption, measures to address environment degradation and transparent distribution of MLA fund are some of promises the National People’s Party (NPP) has made in its election manifesto which was released on Monday.

Releasing the manifesto, the NPP leader Conrad Sangma said, “Corruption is rampant in the state, if voted to power the NPP will appoint a Lokayukta to ensure a fully functional vigilance commission.”

“We vowed to provide a stable government in Meghalaya which is having the dubious distinction of being one of the most politically unstable states in the country”, Conrad said.

The manifesto also touched all major areas of concern in the State including education, health , agriculture migration, environmental issues besides different developmental programmes. “We have tried to address all issues that are there,” he maintained.

Besides these, the NPP will also focus on issues pertaining to women stating that it will frame a comprehensive policy for development of women in the state and as far as industry is concerned, they will focus on promoting cottage, household and small scale industries, re-prioritize the industrial policy to suit local interests besides streamlining the functioning of the single window agency of the state.

“Observing the political climate in the last five years, the NPP is committed to providing a stable government, strong leadership, transparency, inclusiveness and collaboration which are also the need of the hour”, the manifesto stated.

Conrad confident: Later addressing newsmen, Conrad claimed that his party would get the maximum number of seats in February 23 elections.

“Like Congress, which is claiming that it will get absolute majority, I am also claiming that NPP will be able to form the next government.”

The NPP leader maintained that as far as Garo Hills is concerned, the position of Congress was feeble and the NPP’s real tussle would be with the independent candidates.

Hinting at a post-poll alliance with likeminded parties to prevent the ruling Congress from retaining power, Conrad said “No party is going to get an absolute majority in this election and Meghalaya is set to continue with its age-old coalition politics in the forthcoming elections too”, while admitting that they have already come to an understanding with some likeminded parties for forming the next government.

The NPP leader also blamed the Congress for creating the political instability while recalling how the NCP-UDP-led Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA) government was dislodged by Congress in 2009 and the infighting in the Congress which led to the change of guards in the state.

“We have learnt from the past (how to ensure stable government) and we will rectify all those mistakes to ensure that the new coalition government will ensure political stability in Meghalaya,” he stated.

Sangma, however, stated that he cannot underestimate the plan of actions adopted by the Congress stating that they can do anything in the last minute. “But we are fully prepared and we are sure that as far as Garo Hills is concerned our party will come out with flying colours”, he added.

The NPP has decided to field 33 candidates.

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG: Former Chief Minister DD Lapang and two Deputy Chief Ministers of the Congress-led MUA government Bindo Mathew Lanong and Rowell Lyngdoh were among the 92 candidates who filed their nominations across the State on Monday.

Lapang (Congress) filed his nominations papers from Nongpoh constituency while Lanong (UDP) and Lyngdoh (Congress) filed their nomination papers from the Shillong East and Mawkyrwat constituency respectively.

Monday was fifth day of filling nomination papers.

Meanwhile, the four Cabinet Ministers who filed their nominations on Monday were- Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh (Congress, Sohiong), GAD Minister AL Hek (Congress, Pynthorumkhrah), PHE Minister Shitlang Pale (Congress Sutnga-Saipung) and Forest and Environment Minister Prestone Tynsong (Congress, Pynursla).

Former Chief Minister Salseng C Marak (Congress) filed his nomination from Resubelpara.

Among the sitting legislators who filed their nominations include FW Momin (Congress, Mendipathar), Comingone Ymbon (Congress, Raliang), Founder Strong Cajee (Congress, Mawlai), Ronnie V Lyngdoh (Congress, Mylliem), Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit (HSPDP, Mawphlang), Adolf Lu Hitler (Congress, Bajengdoba), Donkupar Massar (Independent, Pynursla), Omillio K Sangma (NPP, Kharkuta), Marcuise N Marak (NPP, Williamnagar), Desang M Sangma (NPP, Rongjeng,) Phillipole D Marak (NPP, Chokpot) and Satto R Marak (NPP Rongara-Siju).

Meanwhile, KHADC CEM and sitting Congress legislator Pynshngainlang Syiem also filed his nomination for Mawsynram.

Meanwhile, the former legislators who filed their nominations are Deborah C Marak (Congress, Williamnagar), Phingwell Muktieh (Congress Mawhati), PT Sawkmie (Independent, Pynthorumkhrah), Roshan Warjri (Congress, Shillong North) and Irin Lyngdoh (Independent, Mawthadraishan).

Among the prominent businessmen who file their nomination are Mohindro Rapsang (Congress, Shillong West), Ngaitlang Dhar (Congress Umroi), Banalari Khongwar (UDP, Pynursla) and Banteidor Lyngdoh (Independent, Mawkynrew).

In East Khasi Hills, the candidates who also filed their nominations were Pyniaid Sing Syiem (HSPDP, Mawryngkneng), Highlander Kharmalki (UDP, Mawryngkneng,) Donaldson Shanpru (Independent, Shillong West,) Edward L Kharmawphlang (UDP, Shillong South), Bhabok Blaze Syiem (HSPDP,Nongthymmai), Kennedy C Khyriem (Congress, Mawphlang), Suly Lyngdoh (HSPDP, Mawsynram) and Drosing Khongjoh (Congress, Mawkynrew.)

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG: The East Garo Hills district magistrate has cancelled the bail granted to four ANVC (B) cadres including Singbirth N Marak alias Norok/Tengton for their alleged involvement in the gunning down two staff of Willimnagar jail even as the outfit has denied its hand in the February 2 incident.

Two innocent jail employees- Assistant Jailer Neil Warjri and warder Sarai Sing Thabah died in the incident.

On the other hand, the district administration has ordered a magisterial inquiry into attack to find out what led to the laxity in jail. The additional district magistrate MK Marak will head the magisterial probe. One month time has been given to the magistrate to complete the probe, an official source said on Monday.

The East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vijay Mantri said that besides the cancellation of bail, notices were also served to the bailors, who assured the attendance of the cadres in court whenever required.

After the cadres got bail on January 11 and 22, they never attended the court during the subsequent hearings.

It was the additional district magistrate B Hajong who had granted bail to the arrested ANVC (B) cadres

Mantri indicated that there were possibilities that the bailors might be arrested as they were the ones who stood for bail for arrested ANVC (B) cadres on surety.

ANVC (B) denial: Meanwhile, while condemning the incident the ANVC(B) has denied its involvement in the attack on Williamnagar jail.

According to the militant outfit, the organization is being dragged in by some vested interests.

“Williamnagar is GNLA chairman Sohan Shira’s stronghold and our influence in that area is not much”, the ANVC(B) added.

Police, however, has reiterated its claim that it has definite clues which indicate involvement of the ANVC (B).

“Accusing ANVC(B) seems more like a cover up statement to target our cadres and to derail the peaceful initiative. Norok and other cadres have been bailed out legally and their involvement in the attack is not possible as they are out to meet the Commander in Chief and have not assumed command yet,” the ANVC-B leader Rimpu Marak said . The arrested cadres have been tortured and threatened while they were in custody but now they pose no threat to anyone, Marak added.

According to Marak, the ANVC cadres are cooperating with the Government and followed legal procedure to bail out the cadres who still have to attend the court. So, the accusation has to be carefully examined otherwise cadres may feel threatened and worse situation may arise, the ANVC leader said .

“There is an apprehension among ANVC(B) cadres that some officers made personal remarks when they were in custody and they plan to arrest them again on some pretext”, Marak said.

“The ANVC(B) is trying to ensure understanding with other communities of the State and dragging our name without evidence will jeopardize the entire process,” he said adding “We welcome DGP Kulbir Kishan’s statement to have an in-depth inquiry before coming to any conclusion, and we assure cooperation”.

Earlier, in a section of the press the GNLA also made a statement denying its involvement in the attack.

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG: Discrepancies have cropped up in the affidavits filed by some candidates including Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, Congress candidate from Jirang, Barnabas Nongbah and Independent candidate from Mawlai, Teiborlang Pathaw in terms of educational qualification and incomplete information provided.

In her affidavit filed recently, sitting Laitumkhrah legislator Ampareen Lyngdoh has mentioned 2012 as the year in which she was conferred PhD. However, during the 2008 general election, she had mentioned 2003 as the year for the same even as she stated that the PhD was registered in 2003 during the 2009 bye-election.

Meanwhile, in the affidavit filed Congress candidate from Jirang, Barnabas Nongbah provided incomplete information, especially those relating to the immovable assets possessed by him. As per the affidavit, he owns a 525 acre plot of non-agricultural land at Mawknor but the date of purchase of the same was ‘not noted’. Similarly, the date of purchase of a 20 acre agricultural land owned by him at Sohlaper was ‘not recorded’.

In his affidavit, Independent Candidate from Mawlai, Teiborlang Pathaw informed that he runs a security agency which provides employment to unemployed youth. But no information regarding bank accounts etc. of the agency was furnished in the affidavit.

Who will pay him Rs 5,000?

Every candidate who comes to file their nominations at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Nongstoin, West Khasi Hills District, have come across a person strolling around alone with a polythene bag dangling by his side and his aim to win a seat in the upcoming state elections. He is Brensly Ryntathiang, who claims to be the KHNAM candidate from 34- Mawshynrut AC in West Khasi Hills District. Ryntathiang does the rounds of the DC’s Office with the hope that someone will provide him with Rs 5,000, which is the amount required as a security deposit to contest the polls. In his desperation, Ryntathiang had even approached the Deputy Commissioner for the required funds, but the DC S Kharlyngdoh expressed his helplessness, as giving him the amount would be a violation of the model code of conduct. Distraught, Ryntathiang told The Shillong Times, on Monday, that he had no choice but to approach the candidates from different ACs for the sum. Ryntathiang, however, is confident that he will secure a decent number of votes . In 2003, he had contested from Mawthengkut and secured a hundred votes.

Poll code violation

Ri Bhoi district administration on Monday clamped down on the United Democratic Party (UDP) for an alleged breach of the model code of conduct as 10 of the party’s flags were found flying on vehicles that were escorting party candidates to file their nomination papers at the office of the Deputy Commissioner. Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Akash Deep Singh pulled down the flags and also seized the ignition key of one UDP vehicle that bore no number plate. In this regard, the UDP Youth Wing, Ri Bhoi District, Vice President Rayonald Kharkamni filed a complaint.

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG: The Congress candidate Ngaitlang Dhar, who is contesting from Umroi, has so far emerged as the richest candidate, with the possession of 137 vehicles worth Rs 23 crore alone and other properties, including agricultural land worth over Rs 200 crore.

As per the affidavit filed before the returning officer in Ri Bhoi, Dhar, who studied till Class VIII, owns 137 vehicles while two of his dependents have three vehicles, two cars for dependent 1 and one for dependent 2 worth Rs 12 lakh each and Rs 4 lakh respectively.

The Congress candidate, a coal baron from Jaintia Hills and business magnate, owns many agricultural lands located mostly in Jaintia Hills and Ri Bhoi worth Rs 40 crore while his non-agricultural lands located in different places of East Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Ri Bhoi is worth Rs 157 crore and his land for commercial building located at Gurgaon in Haryana is worth Rs 3.90 crore. Besides, the land for residential buildings is worth Rs 5.2 crore.

However, his total liabilities is Rs 9.8 crore while the current market value of his and wife’s immovable assets is Rs 206 crore and Rs 3.5 crore respectively.

The jewelry owned by Ngaitlang is worth Rs 20,000 while his wife owns jewelry worth Rs 2 lakh. The total value of his movable assets is worth Rs 25 crore while his wife and dependents’ total value of movable assets is Rs 4.7 lakh, Rs 12 lakh and Rs 4.10 lakh respectively.

Dhar has Rs 2 lakh cash in hand and bank savings worth Rs 2 crore while his wife has Rs 1 lakh in hand and Rs 1 lakh savings.

DD Lapang’s assets

Congress candidate from Nongpoh constituency DD Lapang’s wife has many lands both in Umsning and Shillong worth over Rs 1 crore. As per the affidavit Lapang owns only one inherited land measuring 7000sq ft for residential building at Pahamsyiem, Ri Bhoi worth Rs 10 lakh.

The wife of the former chief minister owns one acre of an inherited agricultural land at Syadheh, Ri Bhoi worth Rs 3 lakh and 10 acres and 6 acres of inherited tea garden at Nongjri and Umpih and Umsning worth Rs 40 lakh and Rs 20 lakh respectively.

She also owns two houses at Jaiaw Weiking and Jaiaw Langsning occupying 6000 sq ft and 5000 sq ft of inherited land worth Rs 15 lakh and Rs 22 lakh respectively, while Lapang owns only one inherited land measuring 7000sq ft for residential building at Pahamsyiem, Ri Bhoi worth Rs 10 lakh.

The total current market value of Lapang’s immovable assets is Rs 10 lakh, while total current market value of his wife’s immovable assets is Rs 1 crore.

Lapang, a graduate and sitting MLA of Nongpoh constituency, has Rs 2 lakh cash in hand and bank savings upto Rs 3.5 lakh while his wife has Rs 5 lakh in hand and Rs 71 lakh savings in the bank.

He owns five vehicles worth Rs 42 lakh (Ford Endeavour-ML 04 A 001, Fortuner-ML 10 B 001, Scorpio-ML05 G 4774, i20-ML05 H 7474 and Chevrolet Optra-ML 10 A 0005). He owns 1 tola of gold worth Rs 14,000 while his wife owns 20 tola of gold worth Rs 2.8 lakh.

His gross total value of movable assets is Rs 5.6 lakh while his wife’s gross total value is Rs 1.16 crore.

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG: Following the attack on Williamnagar jail, more security personnel will be deployed to ensure a free and fair election and to prevent any possible interference by militants in elections.

The State Chief Electoral Officer, P Naik said on Monday that additional security personnel would be deployed in vulnerable locations ahead of February 23 polls.

He, however, expressed confidence that this will not affect the poll preparations.

“None of the rebel groups have made any call for boycott of the polls and we expect a smooth poll this time,” Naik said.

The Election department will also hold meetings with the officials of home department on the need to deploy forces in batches in vulnerable locations.

Stone pelting : Chaos reigned during an election meeting that was organised by Congress Party candidate from Rajabala, Syeedullah Nongrum, in Magurmari, West Garo Hills, on January 31 at 8:30pm when one Abdus Salam and his accomplices allegedly pelted stones at the gathering.