Ardent elected KHADC CEM unopposed

SHILLONG, MAR 8: All Regional Parties Alliance (ARPA) nominee and Hills State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP MDC, who is a also legislator,  Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit cruised to victory as he was elected “unopposed” as the 36th Chief Executive Member (CEM) of Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).

UDP new MDC Pyniaid Sing Syiem was also elected unopposed as the Deputy Chairman of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC). He also became the youngest deputy chairman to occupy the post.

Basaiawmoit, also the HSPDP vice president, will head the new Executive Committee (EC) after outgoing chief CEM and chairman of the Congress led KHUDA – II Pynshngainlang N Syiem decided to withdraw from the race to the CEM post.

KHADC chairperson Teilinia Thangkhiew told the KHADC session on Saturday that Basaiawmoit had been elected CEM unopposed and along with UDP Sohryngkham MDC Pyniaid Sing Syiem as deputy chairman post.

After being elected KHADC CEM  Basaiawmoit requested the cooperation and support of all the council’s members in bringing  all round development and work for the  welfare and interest of the Khasi hills region.

Comparing the council as the ship, the members as the crew and he as the captain, Basaiawmoit requested the opposition not to damage the ship as it would sink. He said, “I am committed to serve the people not only because of the chair but with a spirit and feeling for the people and the region.”

Urging the opposition members to give their support and work together with the ARPA Basaiawmoit said it is necessary so that the ship would sail continuously for five years’ term keeping in mind the interest of the region.

Saying  he welcomes opposition’s suggestions and that of other members of the house, Basaiawmoit however said if just within a span of short time the opposition tries to damage the ship then they will be answerable to the people. He asserted that he can take the  ship till it achieve its objective to serve the people of the region if not disturbed.

Pointing out that the issue development is an ongoing and continuous process, Basaiawmoit said that his EC’s priority is to protect and preserve the indigenous people, their land and identity.  He said, “We would also like to ensure that the implementation of various developmental schemes should be transparent.”

Reacting to arguments on the need to dissolve the district council as the region no longer need it, the newly elected CEM said, “We as a council needs to introspect and find out the reason what has led such people to think that we no longer need the district council. The issue needs to be discussed and come up with solution to ensure that people can have full faith in the council.”

Outgoing CEM Pynshngainlang N Syiem while congratulating this successor  assured that he and his colleagues in the opposition will play a constructive role even if they are not in power.

Stating that there are issues which all members needs to work together leaving  party affiliation behind to bring about necessary reformations, Syiem said the council needs to be united and opposed the proposed Meghalaya Community Participation Bill and also demand for necessary amendment to the Para 12 (A) of the sixth schedule which will demarcate the powers and jurisdiction of the council particularly on land issues.

Syiem also suggested the need to have a cordial relationship with the state government towards addressing the various issues relating to the land and its people.

Expressing their confident on the leadership of the new CEM, members participating during the felicitation ceremony urged the new EC to look into the issues and problems faced by the people residing along the inter-state border with Assam besides challenging the recent order issued by the National Green Tribunal on  banning of sand mining in the different parts of Khasi hills.

Talking to reporters later, Basaiawmoit informed that the ARPA would submit the lists of the executive members to the Governor KK Paul on Monday next for his approval.

According to him, the ARPA has allotted the post of the deputy chief executive member to the UDP besides three EMs each to the HSPDP and KHNAM.

The HSPDP has decided to nominate the party’s MDC Grace Mary Kharpuri , PK Pangniang and LG Nongsiej as EMs, he informed adding that the party is still waiting for its allies to finalized the  names of those whom they want to be made EM.- By Our Reporter