By Our Reporter

 SHILLONG: The Nongkrem constituency in the State is all set to witness a triangular contest in the upcoming Assembly election scheduled for February 23. Three major political parties of the State– Congress, United Democratic Party and Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP)-are contesting for the honours in the area.

While the Congress will be represented by Lambor Malngiang, Draison Kharshiing is contesting from the UDP and sitting legislator Ardent Basaiawmoit, who left the UDP, will contest on a HSPDP ticket.

Basaiawmoit claimed that many of his supporters have joined the HSPDP and was hopeful that the people of the constituency would elect him for the second time so that the works initiated by him can be carried out.

The sitting legislator though was not available for comments.

His main rival in the last eletion, Lambor Malngiang maintained that the Congress will try its best to win the seat and the party is eyeing an absolute majority in the State.

According to Malngiang, the focus of the party is to get more assistance from the Central Government. He was also of the view that people of the State are satisfied with the implementation of the schemes by the government.

When asked about his expectations in the election, he said, “Let people decide as they are the best judge.”

On the other hand, the UDP candidate Draison Kharshiing, who was denied a Congress ticket, said that the candidate mattered more than the party to the people.

“I am contesting (the election) at the call of the people,” he said.

According to Kharshiing, 17 out of the 19 presidents of the Congress block committees apart from senior leaders Remington Pyngrope and Bindo M Lanong are supporting his candidature.

“Unemployment is a major issue in Nongkrem. Besides, no developmental activities have taken place so I want to work for the development and needs of the people,” he said.

Other candidates in the fray in the constituency are Fairly Bert Kharngi of the BJP, Loniak Marbaniang of the NPP and Hilarious Pohchen who will contest as an Independent.

By Our Reporter

 SHILLONG: The Co-ordination Committee on International Border (CCIB) has condemned the inspection conducted by the BSF from pillar 1273 Dawki till Tamabil on Saturday stating that the border forces have no right to interfere in these areas which are ‘still in an adverse

position’.

The CCIB, which is a group of NGOs including the FKJGP, KSU, Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF), Synjuk ki Seng Samla Shnong (SSSS) etc. along with the Rangbah shnong and Daloi of border areas, has stated that the said pillars are only reference pillars.

According to the chairman of CCIB Mit Ryngksai, the committee has been opposing the 150 yard fencing from Zero line following the pending concession on land demarcation between India and Bangladesh.

“If more fences are being erected as per the inspection carried out by the BSF, then most of the cultivation land will be lost,” he added.

From Our Correspondent

 NONGSTOIN: The first ever “Iong-Lajong” festival was organized at the Maharam Higher Secondary School, Mawkyrwat on Friday.

Formally inaugurated by SWKH Deputy Commissioner A Mawlong, the festival was organized by the South West Khasi Hills District Arts and Culture Society with the support of the Directorate of Arts and Culture and aimed at promoting the ‘rich traditional culture and aesthetics of the region’.

A large number of people thronged the gala event which featured the unique and colourful dance of a hundred warriors presented by the Seng Khasi, Nonglang village. Traditional songs, folk dance of the Khasis, Garos and the Hajongs were also performed.

The crowd was also enthralled by performances from local bands like Wild Tears, Cadenza and Scatter. A rendition of modern Khasi songs by Rana Kharkongor and Waroh Pde added to the fervor. The top five finalists of Meghalaya Dancing Star also performed in the event.

Display of ethnic apparels and fashion sequence designed by Arif Mukhim was also a part of the attraction.

Earlier, the Deputy

Commissioner flagged off a half marathon with the election slogans “run for democracy” and “come and vote” which was organized by the Office of the District Sports Officer, Nongstoin.

By Our Reporter

 SHILLONG: Patience is running out for the Trinamool Congress ticket aspirants with the delay on part of the party in fielding candidates.

A ticket aspirant, Serimina Marak, while lamenting the party’s indecisiveness, has decided to resign from the Trinamool Congress.

However, general secretary of TMC, Mahua Moitra, and convener of the Meghalaya Pradesh Trinamool Congress, Ashahel D Shira, on Saturday claimed that they did not know any one by the name of Serimina Marak.

While Moitra said that Shira was entrusted with the affairs of Meghalaya and to deal with the issue of release of candidates’ list, Shira said that efforts were on to announce the names of candidates at the earliest.

However, commenting on the stand of both the TMC leaders, Serimina Marak said that many prominent TMC leaders had contacted her in the past and they know that she was with the party.

“Now since Moitra and Shira are saying that they don’t know me I have the freedom to leave the party,” Marak said.

She also asked the Trinamool leaders to end uncertainty and to make clear whether the party would put up any candidate.

Notification

The District Election Officer, South West Khasi Hills, A.Mawlong informed the general public that distribution of cash, liquor or any other item for gratification of the voters is bribery and both giving and accepting of such favours is a punishable offence and anyone caught could be fined and imprisoned for up to one year.

The District Magistrate, West Khasi Hills district, S Khar Lyngdoh has under section 144 CrPC banned the carrying of licensed arms and other lethal weapons within the district during the election period.

Body found

The body of one Kamal (35) who was found lying at Bara Bazar earlier this month is lying at the Shillong Civil Hospital morgue. Concerned persons are requested to collect the body soon.

SHILLONG: BSF troops of Bagli, deployed in West Khasi Hills apprehended one Indian exporter of Dakhar company identified as Srikshon Dhaovso (60) while he was collecting money to the tune of Rs 1 lakh illegally from a Bangladeshi national.

The amount was meant for excess coal that was being exported from India to Bangladesh.
In another incident, BSF troops of Naljuri on Thursday apprehended two Bangladeshi immigrants while they were trying to infiltrate into India. The arrested persons have been identified as Radium Manner (33) and Satty Sumgos (28), both hailing from Maulavi Bazar district of Bangladesh.

Francisca A Kahit, retired teacher of St Anthony’s Junior School and resident of Nongrimmaw (Gora Lane road) passed away on Friday. Her funeral will be held at 2pm at Laitumkhrah Catholic Cemetery on Sunday.

Kyrmen Bathymmai Lyngdoh, wife of Ambrose Hadem passed away on Saturday. Her funeral will be held at Presbyterian Cemetery at Mawkaiaw on Monday .

Diptimay Das, a veteran teacher and renowned educationist of Shillong, died on January 13 in a Kolkata Hospital. All his well wishers are requested to attend a congregational prayer, as introduced by Swami Swarupananda Paramhansa Deva from 10 AM at R & R Colony Community Hall on January 23.