Women, ex-militants elected

SHILLONG, FEB 27: In a history of sort, four women made it to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Councils (KHADC) and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) in Meghalaya, while two former militants were also among those who were elected out of 212 candidates in the fray for 58 seats.

Three women were elected to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), while one created history in the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) by becoming the first woman MDC.

Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) candidates Grace Mary Kharpuri and Teilinia Thangkhiew retained their seats from Nongskhen and Mylliem constituencies respectively.

United Democratic Party (UDP) candidate Rona Khymdiet defeated her nearest rival Augustine Wahlang of the Congress by a margin of over 3000 votes from Nongpoh constituency in Ri Bhoi District.

Another UDP candidate, Violet Lyngdoh beat former JHADC CEM Hambertus Nongtdu of the Congress by a margin of over 50 votes from Rymbai-Khliehriat constituency in East Jaintia Hills District becoming the first woman to be elected to JHADC.

Former HNLC militants Banteidor Lyngdoh, who fought the election on a Congress ticket and James Sylliang, an Independent, defeated their closest rivals Martil M Mukhim and Otril Pamshong from Mawkynrew and Mawhati constituencies respectively.

In Mawhati constituency, the MLA Julius Dorphang who is a former HNLC chairman,   and now the newly elected MDC James Sylliang, are ex-militants.- By Our Reporter