SHILLONG, OCT 8: Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) leader Adelbert Nongrum was elected as the 27th Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) unopposed.
KHADC chairperson Teilinia Thangkhiew announced Nongrum as elected unopposed as the CEM after the Congress led opposition Khasi Hills United Democratic Alliance (KHUDA-II) decided not to contest for the post.
Just after the announcement, Nongrum bow down on the floor of the house in prayer before taking over the mantle of the CEM.
The 38 year old MDC from Jaiaw succeeded HSPDP leader Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, who quit as the CEM on September 26. The new CEM said his top priority would be to issues concerning the council and region.
“I am ready and prepared to take this responsibility bestowed upon me and I urged upon all the members to extend their support and cooperation on how to build and strengthen the council,” Nongrum said while addressing the house.
Expressing his gratitude to the opposition for showing their support, Nongrum said, “I dared to occupy this chair because my predecessor has showed the way through his ability for us to follow.”
Nongrum assured the council that he did not take up the top job to put the chair before him and will not save the top job but will work as the CEM for the security of the indigenous people and their land.
Stating that he is ready to challenge the state government, Nongrum said, “Keeping aside para 12 of the sixth schedule, there are many bills submitted by the council which are pending with the state government,” adding “This attitude of the government clearly shows that it is making a mockery out of the bills proposed by the council.”
Nongrum informed that the ARPA will put its proposals before the government and if the time demands on issues concerning the indigenous people and their land it will be taken up. He said, “To me, consciousness is far greater than any written law.”
Stating that development is important, Nongrum however said, “But what is more important is to preserve and protect the rights of our people and the land.”
On the recent crisis that led to Basaiawmoit resignation as the CEM , Nongrum said, “It is not because of the three regional parties, it is the situation that compelled the ARPA to remain intact.”
ARPA is a coalition of the Hill State People Democratic Party (HSPDP), United Democratic Party (UDP) and Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM).
Almost all the MDCs both from the ruling and opposition attended the special session.
Outgoing CEM, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit in his speech said, “The road as a leader is not an easy one and he has to be prepare to face the challenges before him.”
Basaiawmoit expressed happiness as the ARPA has been able to bring out another leader to lead the council which coincidentally falls on the same date when he was elected CEM, March 8.
Basaiawmoit further urged the members to play constructive role by giving suggestions rather finding faults in a leader.
Extending her congratulation, KHADC chairperson Teilinia Thangkhiew urged the new leader to lead the house with wisdom and understanding.- By Our Reporter
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