Is the HSPDP heading for split? This is the question currently doing rounds in the political circles here following reports of sharp division of opinions among the senior party leaders over the question of so called unity with the APHLC.

Although HSPDP leaders are tightlipped, reliable reports say that the two factions are heading for show-down at the party’s CEC meet billed for Sept 25 meet billed for Sept 25 when the unity issue will be taken up once again. Reports say that the pro-unity lobby has taken an inflexible stand on the issue. This group has the backing of majority of the elected representatives. Except for Mr Hopingstone Lyngdoh and Mr Tuberlin Lyngdoh, all the MLAs from the two Khasi Hills districts favour unity. One MLA from Jaintia Hills is likely to stand by the party president.

The unity move has gone sour over a new proposal, reportedly advanced with the blessings of Mr Hopingstone Lyngdoh, suggesting that the unity should be achieved without sinking the respective party identities. “This proposal”, said one of the detractors, “bas come too late in the day. We cannot eat the cake and have been if too.” He further said “if the party leaders are not keen on honouring the people’s desire then they alone will be responsible for the consequences.”

Meanwhile, speculations are afoot about the possible impact of the schism in the HSPDP. Will the pro-unity lobby take the matter to its logical conclusion? Indications are that they will. The APHLC has already endorsed the idea of unity without any reservation. Together it may form the third force, creating grounds for a possible realignment of forces in the political chess board of the State.

The APHLC and the HSPDP have been arch rivals since the later’s sixties. What is now known as the HSPDP is a breakaway faction of the APHLC. It came into being following the ouster of its mentor, Mr Hopingstone Lyngdoh, who has all through been its president.

A special session of Meghalaya’s puny political party, PDIC has urged its founding father, Mr G.G.Swell to contest the forthcoming parliamentary elections from the Shillong constituency. Mr Swell, who also addressed the partymen, did not commit himself at this stage.

Whether or not Mr Swell eventually stands for the election, he has achieved one thing he has regained full control over the PDIC which he had single handedly created in 1974 to fight the erstwhile undivided APHLC Government.

Mr Swell’s long political exile, following his appointment as Indian Ambassador to Norway and Burma, did not permit him to keep track of the party affairs. In this special conference of the party he has ensured the ouster of Mr Martin Narayan Majaw who has since quit the party.

The APHLC-HSPDP unity talks have run into fresh difficulty. After protracted dilogues and consultations, when the preparatory committee of the two parties met on September 5 to take a final decision, it petered out to be another exercise in futility.

It all happened over a suggestion made by the former HSPDP Minister, Mr Endro Iawphniaw, that the proposed new party be ‘‘federal’’ in character allowing room for the constituent units to retain their own identities outside the super-party. Mr Iawphniaw’s proposal is believed to be enjoying the blessing of HSPDP President Mr Hopiogstone Lyngdoh.

However. the APHLC disapproved of the suggestion in no uncertain terms. The APHLC leaders said that they were surprised to find such a proposal “at this stage”, and were unwilling even to raise a a debate on the merit of the case. After a brief discussion, the HSPDP decided to resume its deliberatrons on September 25.

The APHLC members, on the other hand, decided to go ahead with its deliberations. Despite opposition from a senior leader of the party, the APHLC adopted a unanimous resolution reiterating its earlier stand to achieve unity by diasolving the two concerned parties.

Apparently, the HSPDP’s West Khasi Hills unit is dragging its feet because of the fear of losing its moorings. The party has an unquestionable following in this district. Thanks mainly to its President.

Reliable reports say that HSPDP leadership is sharply divided over the issue. Its urban-based vocal members have minced no word to express their displeasure at this volte-face of the party bosses. It is said that Mr Winston Syiemiong, former Speaker, Dr B. Pakem, a front ranking leader from Jaintia Hills, are among the party leaders who are intensely campaigning for an early amalgamation of the two premier state-based parties.

The issue has been hanging fire for a year-and-half since the ouster of MUPP Government in April last year. Although the two parties have time and again aired their views in favour of the move, there seems to be some lingering suspicion about the effect of it at the electoral battles. Over the months the two parties got the proposal ratified by their district units followed by approval of the respective highest executive bodies.

Smaran Sangeet Vidyalaya of Laban and rich haul of prizes at the Ananda Sammelan this year. The institution, which caters to the little ones, bagged as many as 24 prizes in various categories. In vocal items, the eight year old Runa Goswami bagged six first prizes in different categories. Others to win prizes in songs are Indrani Chakraborty and Sudarsana Dhar.

But perhaps the Vidyalaya’s some heart-warming in dramatics. Its play-let entitled “Hillol” (script: Swapan Naug) was not only adjudged as the best drama but also walked way with five of the six prizes. The High light of the play was the brilliant performance by Indrani Chakraborty who deservingly lifted the best actress award. The eight-year old Indrani kept the audience spell bound by her flawless performance. She was ably supported by Sangita Gupta who won the Best Supporting Actress prize.

In dance on Tagore songs, Paramita Dutta of the same organization won the first prize.

The Revenue Department of the State Govt has decided to undertake survey and demarcation of land in Laban, Mawprem, Pynthorumkhrah, Malki and Laitumkhrah localities of Shillong.

Official sources said that a notification to this effect was being issued shortly.The exercise is directed at establishing proper boundaries of all lands and estates within these areas. The Department has also decided to prepare records of all lands and estates to be so surveyed, sources added.

The areas under survey-have substantial non-tribal land-holdings. The Department, besides updating its land records, wants to ensure that there has been no encroachment and land grabbing by anyone over the years.

The 30th annual session of the “Ananda Sammelan” ended here recently at an impressive valedictory function. Ananda Sameelan is a unique competition for children on songs, dances, music and art. It draws children from all linguistic and ethnic groups of Shillong for a fortnight-long competition in various fields.

Governor Bhishma Narain Singh who was chief guest on the occasion, commended the great service being rendered by the organizers – Manju Smriti Majlish for creating opportunities for the children to bring out their hidden talents. Describing how tribal heritage had “ornamented” the cultural history of the country, Mr Singh reminded the people that even art and culture change with the passage of time. “What is needed is a gradual change which does not break the links with the traditional form and rep airs its essence”, he added.The Meghalaya Power Minister, presided over the function.

Dr Bhupinder Singh, Adviser in the Planning Commission called on Mr D D Lapang, Minister, Planning etc. Meghalaya this morning and had discussions on the priority to be given in formulating the Seventh Five Year Plan for the State.

Dr Bhupinder Singh was on a three day visit to the State. He visited some of the interior areas and also held meeting with the district officials at Jowai.

The discussion with the Minister Planning helped to highlight certain priority are like Transport, Agriculture and Preservation of the Environment, while formulating Meghalaya’s Seventh Plan.

An investment of the order of Rs. 1600 crores would be required for the new Power Projects of Ranganadi, Kameng and Kopili second and third stage which would enable generation of 1795 M.W. of power and 8600 million K.W. energy.

These Power Project investigation of which have been completed by NEEPCO and approval from Planning Commission is awaited for final investment decision, would bring about radical transformation in the economic condition of the whole region.

This information was given by the Chairman-cum Managing Director of the NEEPCO, Mr S.R. Shah, to the Governor of Assam, Meghalaya during the latter’s visit to the Kopili Projects.

The Government of Meghalaya, says an official press release, will raise a loan of Rs 7.75 crores from the open market during the current financial year (1984-85) with the right to retain excess subscriptions, if any, not exceeding 10% of the above amount.

The loan is described as 9.00 per cent Meghalaya State Development Loan, 1999 to be issued at Rs. 100.00 per cent and redeemable at par on the 4th September, 1999.

The proceeds of the loan will be utilised for financing productive developmental programmes and projects of the Government of Meghalaya.

Subscription will be received on the 4th September, 1984 upto the close of banking hours in the form of Cash/Cheque or conversion of securities of the 6% and of the 5% Meghalaya State Development Loans 1984. Applications for the loan must be for Rs.100 or multiple thereof.

Application form and special option form for conversion of the above mentioned securities with full particulars may be obtained from the branches or the State Bank of India within the State of Meghalaya.