SHILLONG, MAY 28: Despite an appeal from chief minister Mukul Sangma to withdraw the indefinite hunger strike, former KHADC CEM and KHNAM vice president Adelbert Nongrum refused to withdraw saying that he will respond to the chief minister’s request only tomorrow.
A letter of appeal from the Sangma was handed over by District Council Affairs (DCA) minister HDR Lyngdoh to Nongrum at the venue of the hunger strike on Thursday morning. Nongrum said, The DCA minister came at around 10 am to give the letter of the chief minister.”
In the letter Sangma had said that in view of the positive developments and the assured steps taken by the state government vis-à-vis the VAB, he appeals to Nongrum to kindly consider withdrawal of his indefinite hunger strike in the larger public interest of the people of the state.
Informing about the meeting convened by the government with the CEMs of KHADC and JHADC yesterday, Sangma said that all pending issues with the aim to facilitate the consideration and approval of the KHAD (Village Administration) Bill, 2014 and the JHAD (Establishment of Elaka and Village and Election, Appointment, Powers, Functions and Jurisdiction of Dolloi/Sirdar and Waheh Shnong) Bill, 2015 by the Governor was discussed.
“Both the ADCs have assured that they will take necessary steps to meet the essential requirements to facilitate the further progress of these bills and will revert back to the state government after necessary corrections are effected to the respective Bills,” Sangma stated in the letter.
It also stated that the respective CEMs have stated that they will take immediate actions so as to enable the state government to further process the matter with the Governor on “priority”.
Reiterating that Ordinance will in no way infringes upon the legislative jurisdiction of ADCs, the CM informed, “The draft ordinance “Meghalaya Local Administration (Empowering the traditional institutions, traditional bodies and headmen) Ordinance, 2015” has again been sent to the Governor today after giving appropriate justification.”
Speaking to reporters, DCA minister HDR Lyngdoh said, “I have handed over the official letter to Nongrum apprise him of the appeal of the government.”
“As a DCA Minister I had apprise him of yesterday meeting outcome and I feel that Nongrum should reconsider his decision”, Lyngdoh said.
He also said that Nongrum told Lyngdoh that he will think whether to reconsider or not.
“As an MDC or DCA minister, I also support whatever the council or legislature brings for the well being of the people as a whole, Lyngdoh said.
Meanwhile Nongrum questioned the Chief Minister Mukul Sangma’s intention of the government in sending the ordinance for the Governor’s assent despite giving the assurance to approve the two VABs.
“How will the Governor give his assent on three Bills that too on the same issue? The ordinance has collided with the VAB,” Nongrum said while reminding the government on his demand to refrain to legislate any laws since the issue of traditional institutions and headmen is the subject and jurisdiction of the district councils.
He also said, “Personally I don’t believe in their (government) claim that the ordinance will not infringe with the powers of the district councils,” adding “In fact, by trying to legislate a state law, the government is already infringing into the powers of the district councils.”
Nongrum said the letter was also silent on the demand to put on hold the voter’s enrolment drives.
Nongrum along with five others have been staging the hunger strike protest for the past 12 days since May 16.- By Our Reporter
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