Strong Pillar Kharjana elected new chairman; 8-member EC formed
Shillong, Feb 28: The Voice of the People Party (VPP), which upset all political predictions by sweeping the KHADC polls, on Friday elected unopposed first time MDC Shemborlang Rynjah as the new chief executive member (CEM) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).
First-time MDC from Mawkhar-Pynthorumkhrah, Strong Pillar Kharjana, was elected as the new chairman of KHADC. As chairman, he presided over the election of CEM and declared Rynjah as elected unopposed since the opposition did not field any candidate.
The VPP also formed the new EC with eight members including the CEM.
The MDCs inducted as Executive Members (EMs) are – Powell Sohkhlet (Mawthadraishan), Winston Tony Lyngdoh (Nongthymmai), Pynkhraw Kharjahrin (Mawkyrwat), Seiborlang Warbah (Mawkynrew), Isnei Hinge (Umroi), Aibandaplin L. Nonglait (Mylliem), and Deiti Majaw (Laitumkhrah-Malki).
The VPP also decided to field Mawhati MDC, Kynjohlang Rangtong as the contender for the post of deputy chairman.
The new CEM, an MDC from Lyngkyrdem-Laitkroh constituency, meanwhile announced the new executive committee (EC)’s decision to restrict issue of fresh trading license, frame a job recruitment policy and poor-people friendly building byelaws besides pushing for inclusion of Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule.
In his address to the House, the new CEM expressed his gratitude to VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit for reposing faith in him for taking up the responsibility as KHADC CEM.
Assuring the House of fulfilling the party’s promise to provide clean governance, he said, “I am just a new face, but I am ready to accept suggestions or even criticisms. My door is open for all. Please feel free to enter anytime.”
“I also assure to serve the council without being partial to anyone,” he added.
Seeking support and cooperation of the opposition bench, the new CEM said, “I request you to play a constructive role.”
The new EC would immediate take steps to streamline the functioning of the district council, he asserted.
“We have also decided not to issue fresh trading license particularly on trades being carried out by local Khasi people,” he said.
He assured that building byelaws will be reviewed to make them “people friendly especially for the poor people”.
He said the new EC will also come up with a job recruitment policy that will benefit the youth of the state.
Further, the newly elected CEM said the issue of Khasi language is one of the issues in the party’s manifesto.
“So hand in hand we will discuss with the Khasi Authors Society and other organizations on how to pursue this issue so that it gets recognition in the Eighth Schedule,” he added.
On the VPP’s stand on railway projects, Rynjah said the EC will study all aspects including its legal status before taking a call on the issue.
“We will ensure that our people are benefitted and we should have security so that others do not exploit us,” he said.
He also said he would study the issue of border people including providing safeguarded to their land rights before moving ahead.
