Nongsiej elected KHADC 22nd chairman

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, NOV 19: Independent MDC LG Nongsiej was elected as the 22nd chairman of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) unopposed on Saturday. He immediately made his intention of working  for the upliftment of the council clear.

In three years, KHADC saw the election of three chairmen besides three chief executive members (CEMs) because of political instability in the council.

Interestingly for the first time, the ruling PDF led executive committee in the KHADC is being headed by a suspended member of the Congress PN Syiem while the Legislative wing is headed by a chairman who is also expelled by the HSPDP.

Nongsiej was declared as the new chairman of the KHADC by the council’ legislative secretary A Shangpliang, who for the first time in the history of the council presided over the house during a special session.

The election was necessitated after the senior Congress leader Manstudy Nongrem quit the post of chairman following the Congress decision to withdrew support to the ruling PDF.

Almost all members from both ruling and opposition bench participated in the felicitation ceremony of the newly elected chairman and urged him to be neutral while presiding over the House.

In his speech, Nongsiej while expressing his gratefulness to the executive committee for reposing confidence and faith on him assured to work for the upliftment and welfare of the Council.

Seeking the support and cooperation of all members of the House, the newly elected chairman also assured to follow up the progress made by the Advisory Committee in strengthening the traditional institutions in the region.

Earlier while congratulations Nongsiej, former chairman Manstudy Nongrem urged his successor to take up the issues relating to different Himas and Sirdarships seriously so that they may be empowered as per customary laws.

He also lamented on the alleged failure of the PDF led EC to introduce as many as seven bills proposed by the advisory committee in the last session. According to him, the issue is urgent and isin line with the Supreme Court order.

Participating in the felicitation ceremony, KHADC chief PN Syiem said all the chairmen in the past had their own quality but the new ones are expected to perform better.

Emphasizing on the importance to study the rules, he said, “We have every reason to believe that you (Nongsiej) will be able to further take the honor of this House to new heights.”