HSPDP MDCs staged a walkout over bill

***HSPDP MDC Teilinia Thangkhiew staged a walkout with her party colleague***

SHILLONG, MAR 3: Opposition Hill State People Democratic Party (HSPDP) MDCs staged a walk-out to protest against the passing of the KHAD (Constitution of Traditional Dorbars) Bill, 2016 by the ruling PDF led EC in the KHADC.

Former KHADC chairperson Teilinia and Pyniaid Sing Syiem both HSPDP’s MDC walked out of the house before the bill was passed in the budget session, which concluded on Thursday.

According to them, the bill should have been referred back to the select committee for further examination.

“We decided to walk out as a mark of protest against the decision of the executive committee to hurriedly pass the bill,” Pyniaid told the KHADC chairman Manstudy Nongrem before walking out of the house.

Later, the bill was passed after getting the support from majority of the MDCs.

The ruling People Democratic Forum (PDF) led Executive Committee claimed that the bill was introduced with an aim to retain, protect, conserve and preserve the socio-cultural ethos of Khasi society and the traditional system of self-governance.

Earlier when the bill was introduced, the opposition members had questioned the motive of the EC to bring the bill, which will only create more confusion.

They have accused the bill only seeks to bring parallel functioning between the district council and CoTD.

In his debate, Pyniaid had stated, “I oppose this bill. It seems that the bill has been introduced just to please someone else.”

Referring to Section 3 of the bill, Pyniaid said, “I have to put this question before the CEM that if the bill is passed, does he mean that the traditional heads will be allowed to sit in this same house with the MDCs.”

Echoing similar views, Teilinia Thangkhiew also stated, “MDCs are elected representatives and they are totally different from traditional heads. I totally disagree with this move to include the MDCs under the same platform.”

Alleging the CEM of trying to play a ‘dual-role’, Thangkhiew said, “How can the CEM who is the head of the district council be a chairman to also head the council of traditional dorbar. This is dual role.”

Moreover she also said that as per the Appointment and Succession of Chiefs and Headmen Act, it prohibits traditional heads from engaging in politics.”-By Our Reporter