SHILLONG: Meghalaya was brought under President's rule and the State Assembly put in suspended animation on Thursday. With the proclamation of Central rule by President Pratibha Patil, Governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary will look after the administrative affairs of the State as the Dr Donkupar Roy Government ceases to exist. According to official sources, President Patil gave her assent to the Union Cabinet's decision to impose Central rule at 12.30 pm on Thursday and an order of the official proclamation of President's rule was sent to Mr Mooshahary in the afternoon.
The Centre on Wednesday morning decided to recommend President's rule and keep the Assembly in suspended animation in the State following a report sent by Mr Moosahary on Tuesday on the breakdown of Constitutional machinery in Meghalaya.
Soon after assuming his administrative role, the Governor asked government officials to speed up all development works before the end of the financial year.
Mr Mooshahary held a meeting of top government officials, including Chief Secretary Ranjan Chatterjee, and asked them to "maintain transparency and accountability in administration."
Meanwhile, Mr Chatterjee said during the intervening period all government departments and officers would function under the guidance of the Governor.
The Executive Council, headed by the Governor as the Chairman, will issue rules of executive business in the context of President's rule. The Executive Council will be responsible for all executive orders issued in the name of the Governor. Each government department will be headed by a secretary.
The Executive Council will have an Adviser (two Advisers appointed by the Governor, if necessary), besides the Chief Secretary as Member Secretary, Mr Chatterjee added.
Security tightened: Meanwhile, security has been tightened in the State following imposition of President's Rule in the state. Mr Mooshahary, who held a meeting with top government officials, including Chief Secretary and Director General of Police Kulbir Krishan, reviewed the overall law and order situation.
When contacted, the state DGP said, '' We are confident of maintaining law and order and will ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order.''
Governor defends PR recommendationBy Our Reporter
SHILLONG : Governor R S Mooshahary has defended his recommendation to the Centre for imposition of President's rule in the State, saying there was a breakdown of ''constitutional machinery'' as the MPA Government had been reduced to a minority.
Speaking to newsmen here on Thursday, Mr Mooshahary, who took over the administration after the imposition of Central rule, said, "President's rule is imposed when there is constitutional breakdown in the State. Constitutional breakdown means that the Constitution is not allowed to function appropriately. This could bring discredit to justice and has to be set right".
He informed that he had received the official order regarding imposition of Central rule from the President's office on Thursday afternoon and added the Central rule would be ratified by the next Parliament to be constituted after the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.
On Assembly Speaker Bindo M Lanong's assertion that the Governor's message should not be in the form of directive, Mr Mooshahary said that "every individual has his own interpretation of the Constitution" adding that "in such cases there could be some error in interpretation".
"The Governor is competent to sent message to the Assembly under the provisions of Article 175 (2) of the Constitution. Such message deals with Bills or otherwise. As per the Constitution, it is clear
that the Governor can send message to the House and the House has to consider it under Rule 20 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Assembly," Mr Mooshahary said.
The Governor also clarified that the intention of sending the message was "to prevent turmoil during the Assembly proceedings which could reduce the dignity of the House in the eyes of the public". He said he had not interfered in the proceedings of the Assembly.
"The office of the Governor has not been drawn into political controversy so far. I am playing my role as part of my constitutional duty," Mr Mooshahary said while he also maintained that the Speaker is the supreme authority in the Assembly.
Further, the Governor informed that the President's Rule would continue till it was ratified by the Parliament within two months. According to him, the Central rule would be ratified by the forthcoming Lok Sabha election.
"In the meantime, if some party can prove it has the majority to form the government in the State, it is my duty to call them (to form the government)" Mr Mooshahary said.
While stating that the budget of the State would be taken care of so that there was no financial problem in the State during the period of President's rule, Mr Mooshahary also said that officials of all government departments had been asked to function with accountability and transparency and with "better speed" in view of the coming financial year. He also said that ongoing projects would be expedited and law and order maintained.
Central rule: Then and now
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The President's rule imposed in Meghalaya from Thursday bears a striking similarity to the first one imposed on October 11 1991.
In 1991, President's rule was imposed in the State during the tenure of the Hill's People Union (HPU) Government headed by BB Lyngdoh as Chief Minister while Congress was in the Opposition. This time too, President's rule was imposed during the tenure of MPA where UDP, an offshoot of HPU, is a leading partner.
Similarly, in 1991, the President's rule was imposed after a constitutional crisis in the State following the decision of the then Assembly Speaker PR Kyndiah to suspend the voting rights and disqualify the membership of five legislators - Dr Donkupar Roy, Miriam D Shira, Monindro Agitok, Simon Siangshai and Chamberline Marak.
This time too, the Central rule came a day after Speaker Bindo M Lanong suspended the voting rights of five legislators - Paul Lyngdoh, Sanbor Shullai, Dr Adviser Pariong, Ismail Marak and Limison Sangma before the vote of confidence on the floor of the House on March 17. On both the occasions Congress was in power at the Centre.
l‘No NCP-Cong alliance in N-E’
lMPA leaders to hold demo in Delhi
MPA to move SC today
From Our Spl Correspondent
NEW DELHI: The battle for reviving the lost government in Meghalaya on Thursday shifted here with NCP general secretary Purno A Sangma ruling out any alliance with Congress and MPA deciding to file a case against President's rule in the Supreme Court on Friday.
Apart from Mr Sangma, former Chief Minister Dr Donkupar Roy and other leaders of MPA, including former Education Minister Manas Chaudhuri, arrived here to protest against the Congress-led Central Government's "undemocratic" act of imposition of President's rule in Meghalaya. The MPA leaders would try to meet the President and hold demonstrations in the national capital and different places of the North-East.
NCP leader plans to meet BJP's prime ministerial candidate L K Advani on Friday as part of his campaign against the Centre's action.
Mr Sangma said he would meet Advani and discuss the imposition of President's rule.
Mr Sangma categorically said his party would not have any truck with Congress in entire North-East and urged his party president Sharad Pawar to do the same in the rest of the country.
Addressing a press conference at the NCP headquarters here, Mr Sangma denied media reports that he had ever made any proposal for an NCP-Congress alliance in the North-East, let alone Meghalaya.
The NCP leader severely criticised imposition of President rule in Meghalaya, terming it as "nothing but murder of democracy." He castigated Meghalaya Governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary for allegedly playing a partisan role in recommending Central rule in the State.
Mr Sangma also displayed before the media two identical letters, one written by Congress Legislature Party leader DD Lapang to the Governor and the other from the Governor to Speaker Bindo M Lanong.
The Governor's letter to the Speaker contained what Mr Lapang had written in his letter to Mr Mooshahary, the MPA architect said.
"The Governor, as former Director General of BSF, took orders from the higher-ups and did the same thing in Meghalya. His acts of omissions and commissions belittle his high constitutional position," Mr Sangma said.
The former Lok Sabha Speaker was also critical of the interference in Meghalaya politics by Congress leaders from neighbouring Assam with which Meghalaya has a running border dispute.
"I don't speak about children," he quipped, while referring to Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and NECCC general secretary Shariff Laskar who reportedly campaigned against the Meghalaya Government persistently.
Mr Sangma, who was seen close to top echelons, irrespective of party lines, also expressed unhappiness over the role of "honest" Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and "legal luminary" Union Home Minister P Chidambram in imposition of President's rule in Meghalaya.
On the role of Mr Pawar, Mr Sangma said distancing NCP from Congress was his appeal but he would abide by the party president's decision.
HC defers pronouncement of judgement
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Shillong Bench of the Gauhati High Court has deferred the pronouncement of judgement on the petitions filed by KHNAM president Paul Lyngdoh and Independent legislator Limison Sangma till Friday. The judgement was scheduled to be pronounced on Thursday.
Both the legislators have sought a stay on the interim suspension order issued against them by Speaker Bindo M Lanong.
Meanwhile, the hearing on three separate writ petitions filed by Independent legislator Ismail Marak, Deputy Speaker Sanbor Shullai and former Health Minister Dr Adviser Pariong will be held on March 23.
‘Conspiracy’ to topple KHADC EC
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The political instability leading to President's rule in the State seems to have threatened the Executive Committee (EC) of KHADC.
Despite Chief Executive Member (CEM) Dr Celestine Lyngdoh's recent assertion that the crisis gripping MPA would not have any bearing on ruling Khasi Hills Progressive Alliance (KHPA) at KHADC, a conspiracy is being hatched up to topple the UDP-led EC.
Sources on Thursday alleged that KHNAM president Paul Lyngdoh who triggered the downfall of the MPA Government was the brain behind the ongoing conspiracy to bring down the EC formed by KHPA. It may be noted here that KHNAM is also a partner of KHPA.
"KHNAM MDC and Deputy CEM Lambor Malngiang was given the responsibility of toppling the EC after the KHNAM president resigned from the Dr Donkupar Roy Government and withdrew his support to MPA recently," sources said.
Sources also said Congress recently held negotiation with Mr Malngiang on how to convince three HSPDP MDCs to pull out of the UDP-led EC.
The HSPDP MDCs, however, rejected the proposal, saying they could not betray their party president and their idol Hoping Stone Lyngdoh.
Congress, which has 8 MDCs, requires the support of four KHNAM MDCs, three HSPDP MDCs and the lone independent MDC from Nongskhen to be able to form a new Executive Committee.
The three KHNAM MDCs also did not agree with the idea of Mr Malngiang, and the Deputy CEM has never attended any meeting of KHPA or the EC since then, sources claimed.
Interestingly, Mr Malngiang has not attended the ongoing budget session of the Council.
Meanwhile, another sources said KHNAM had a role in the recent disappearance of HSPDP legislator and former Health Minister Dr Adviser Pariong.
When contacted, Mr Malngiang was not available for comments.
Can Guv swear in KHADC members?
Council to seek legal opinion
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: KHADC has decided to seek legal opinion on the proposed amendment to
Rule 24 of the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Councils) Rules 1951 to make it mandatory for members of the Council to take an oath of allegiance to the Constitution before the State Governor.
As per the proposed amendment, KHADC members would be sworn in by the Governor, not by any State Government official as is the practice now.
The KHADC decision came in response to a resolution moved by UDP MDC Fabian Lyngdoh for an amendment to Rule 24 of the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Councils) Rules 1951 on the second day of the budget session of the Council on Thursday.
Earlier, replying to the resolution tabled by the UDP MDC, KHADC CEM Dr Celestine Lyngdoh said the Executive Committee fully agreed with the idea of bringing in an amendment to enable the members to be sworn in by the Governor, not by the Deputy Commissioner as was the practice.
"It would be a great thing for the members of KHADC if they are sworn in by the Governor," Dr Lyngdoh said.
The KHADC chief, however, requested the UDP MDC to withdraw his resolution in order that the EC could seek legal opinion on the matter before going ahead with the proposed amendment.
While moving the resolution, Fabian Lyngdoh said an amendment to Rule 24 of the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Councils) Rules 1951 would help bring back the "lost dignity and prestige" of the Council.
"KHADC cannot be under direct control of the State Government since it is an autonomous body created by the Constitution of India," Mr Lyngdoh said.
Probe ordered into tree felling
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: KHADC has ordered a departmental investigation into alleged involvement of officials of the Forest Department of the Council in illegal felling of trees at Athiabari plantations. The probe report will be submitted in the coming days, Council chief Dr Celestine Lyngdoh said on Thursday.
This was disclosed by Dr Lyngdoh while replying to a motion moved by Congress MDC Jansing M Tynsong on the secondary day of the KHADC budget session.
"It was learnt that illegal felling of trees and smuggling of timer were being done at Athiabari plantations as per directives of senior officers of the Forest Department of the KHADC," Dr Lyngdoh said, adding he had ordered a departmental inquiry into the matter.
"Trees are being illegally felled not only in Athiabari but also in other forest areas of KHADC like Byrnihat and Lai Lad. The forest areas of the Council have become barren. We would totally stop felling of trees to protect our forest areas," the KHADC CEM said.
He said the Council would deploy more staff in areas where illegal felling and smuggling of trees was prevalent.
Earlier, moving the motion, Mr Tynsong said it was sad that illegal felling of trees had led to loss of revenue of the Council. He blamed officers of the department concerned for that and said the erring officials should be severely punished.
Congress MDC Irin Lyngdoh supported the motion moved by Mr Tyngsong.
Speed up power project: NGOs
From Our Correspondent
NONGSTOIN: Different NGOs under the banner of the Synjuk Sengbhalang West Khasi Hills (SSWKH) have asked the State Government to speed up the implementation of Kynshi Hydro-electric power (KHEP) project which is yet to make any breakthrough even after more than a year of scrapping the MoA with the concerned companies.
Meanwhile, the meeting has decided to meet West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner on Friday to seek information on the progress of assault case of outgoing Mining and Geology Minister Donkupar Massar at Lailad near Borsora, West Khasi Hills last year. Further, they decided to meet director of Community and Rural Development to seek for clarification on the slow implementation of National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in the district.
Guv inaugurates golden jubilee celebrations of ZSI
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The golden jubilee celebration of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Eastern Regional Station was formally inaugurated by Meghalaya Governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary here on Thursday.
The ZSI, Eastern regional station at Shillong was established on March 6, 1959 with the objective of conducting survey and exploration of fauna of north eastern States and ecological studies in the seven states comprising Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Tripura.
In the last fifty years, the Zoological Survey of India, Eastern station had conducted almost 100 surveys and expeditions.
The Department has entrusted the task of also conducting environment impact, assessment of irrigation and hydro electric project and identification of zoological matters.
Speaking at the function, Mr Mooshahary lauded the efforts of the ZSI, Eastern Region in its venture to do research and studies in preserving especially the endangered species.
Expressing concern that some species were in the verge of extinction in the region, Mr Mooshahary said that unless preventive measures were taken to protect, conserve and reproduce the different species, there would come a time when certain species would completely disappear from this earth.
Earlier, ZSI Director Dr Ramakrishna said that the department had completed 160 different researches and studies and found 8 species of animals that are exclusive to the region.
He also said the research and studies conducted included those relating to endanger animals, faunal resources of conservation areas, environmental impact etc.
Besides research and study, the Zoological Survey of India has also taken up activities in creating awareness on preservation of environment and wildlife through different programme and exhibitions.
Party still exists, says MDP president
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: MDP president and party candidate for the Shillong Parliamentary Seat Martle N Mukhim has said that the party would continue to exist despite the recent debacle in both the Assembly and District Council elections.
"The primary objective of the party was to serve the people of the State. It would be totally wrong to relate the party only in activities of contesting and winning elections only because it is a political party," Mr Mukhim said while addressing a press conference here on Thursday.
He said the political parties has various responsibilities to perform adding that the MDP would not restrain itself to only contesting election but would try to contribute to the best interest of the State.
When asked whether he was fighting a losing battle after being defeated in both Assembly and the District council elections, the MDP president said when he had newly joined politics, he had to face several defeats adding that these defeats had never affected his spirit to fight and contest elections.
Due to his hard work and perseverance, he finally achieved success and became the MLA of Dienglieng for four consecutive terms, the MDP president said.
"Despite my defeat this time also, my spirit has not gone down'' he said.
''I am optimistic that after two consecutive defeats I would be third time lucky by winning the Lok Sabha election," Mr Mukhim said.
He also denied that he was sponsored by the Congress to contest the election.
Employment of non-tribals opposed
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: KSU's Malki unit has cautioned all private companies and institutes stationed at Malki not to employ non-tribals henceforth.
Any company or institute who employ non-tribals should do it at their own risk the union said in a statement issued here on Thursday.
The Union has set March 16 as ultimatum for all non-tribals to comply with the order otherwise action would be taken against them.
Source: The Shillong Times
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The Centre on Wednesday morning decided to recommend President's rule and keep the Assembly in suspended animation in the State following a report sent by Mr Moosahary on Tuesday on the breakdown of Constitutional machinery in Meghalaya.
Soon after assuming his administrative role, the Governor asked government officials to speed up all development works before the end of the financial year.
Mr Mooshahary held a meeting of top government officials, including Chief Secretary Ranjan Chatterjee, and asked them to "maintain transparency and accountability in administration."
Meanwhile, Mr Chatterjee said during the intervening period all government departments and officers would function under the guidance of the Governor.
The Executive Council, headed by the Governor as the Chairman, will issue rules of executive business in the context of President's rule. The Executive Council will be responsible for all executive orders issued in the name of the Governor. Each government department will be headed by a secretary.
The Executive Council will have an Adviser (two Advisers appointed by the Governor, if necessary), besides the Chief Secretary as Member Secretary, Mr Chatterjee added.
Security tightened: Meanwhile, security has been tightened in the State following imposition of President's Rule in the state. Mr Mooshahary, who held a meeting with top government officials, including Chief Secretary and Director General of Police Kulbir Krishan, reviewed the overall law and order situation.
When contacted, the state DGP said, '' We are confident of maintaining law and order and will ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order.''
Governor defends PR recommendationBy Our Reporter
SHILLONG : Governor R S Mooshahary has defended his recommendation to the Centre for imposition of President's rule in the State, saying there was a breakdown of ''constitutional machinery'' as the MPA Government had been reduced to a minority.
Speaking to newsmen here on Thursday, Mr Mooshahary, who took over the administration after the imposition of Central rule, said, "President's rule is imposed when there is constitutional breakdown in the State. Constitutional breakdown means that the Constitution is not allowed to function appropriately. This could bring discredit to justice and has to be set right".
He informed that he had received the official order regarding imposition of Central rule from the President's office on Thursday afternoon and added the Central rule would be ratified by the next Parliament to be constituted after the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.
On Assembly Speaker Bindo M Lanong's assertion that the Governor's message should not be in the form of directive, Mr Mooshahary said that "every individual has his own interpretation of the Constitution" adding that "in such cases there could be some error in interpretation".
"The Governor is competent to sent message to the Assembly under the provisions of Article 175 (2) of the Constitution. Such message deals with Bills or otherwise. As per the Constitution, it is clear
that the Governor can send message to the House and the House has to consider it under Rule 20 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Assembly," Mr Mooshahary said.
The Governor also clarified that the intention of sending the message was "to prevent turmoil during the Assembly proceedings which could reduce the dignity of the House in the eyes of the public". He said he had not interfered in the proceedings of the Assembly.
"The office of the Governor has not been drawn into political controversy so far. I am playing my role as part of my constitutional duty," Mr Mooshahary said while he also maintained that the Speaker is the supreme authority in the Assembly.
Further, the Governor informed that the President's Rule would continue till it was ratified by the Parliament within two months. According to him, the Central rule would be ratified by the forthcoming Lok Sabha election.
"In the meantime, if some party can prove it has the majority to form the government in the State, it is my duty to call them (to form the government)" Mr Mooshahary said.
While stating that the budget of the State would be taken care of so that there was no financial problem in the State during the period of President's rule, Mr Mooshahary also said that officials of all government departments had been asked to function with accountability and transparency and with "better speed" in view of the coming financial year. He also said that ongoing projects would be expedited and law and order maintained.
Central rule: Then and now
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The President's rule imposed in Meghalaya from Thursday bears a striking similarity to the first one imposed on October 11 1991.
In 1991, President's rule was imposed in the State during the tenure of the Hill's People Union (HPU) Government headed by BB Lyngdoh as Chief Minister while Congress was in the Opposition. This time too, President's rule was imposed during the tenure of MPA where UDP, an offshoot of HPU, is a leading partner.
Similarly, in 1991, the President's rule was imposed after a constitutional crisis in the State following the decision of the then Assembly Speaker PR Kyndiah to suspend the voting rights and disqualify the membership of five legislators - Dr Donkupar Roy, Miriam D Shira, Monindro Agitok, Simon Siangshai and Chamberline Marak.
This time too, the Central rule came a day after Speaker Bindo M Lanong suspended the voting rights of five legislators - Paul Lyngdoh, Sanbor Shullai, Dr Adviser Pariong, Ismail Marak and Limison Sangma before the vote of confidence on the floor of the House on March 17. On both the occasions Congress was in power at the Centre.
l‘No NCP-Cong alliance in N-E’
lMPA leaders to hold demo in Delhi
MPA to move SC today
From Our Spl Correspondent
NEW DELHI: The battle for reviving the lost government in Meghalaya on Thursday shifted here with NCP general secretary Purno A Sangma ruling out any alliance with Congress and MPA deciding to file a case against President's rule in the Supreme Court on Friday.
Apart from Mr Sangma, former Chief Minister Dr Donkupar Roy and other leaders of MPA, including former Education Minister Manas Chaudhuri, arrived here to protest against the Congress-led Central Government's "undemocratic" act of imposition of President's rule in Meghalaya. The MPA leaders would try to meet the President and hold demonstrations in the national capital and different places of the North-East.
NCP leader plans to meet BJP's prime ministerial candidate L K Advani on Friday as part of his campaign against the Centre's action.
Mr Sangma said he would meet Advani and discuss the imposition of President's rule.
Mr Sangma categorically said his party would not have any truck with Congress in entire North-East and urged his party president Sharad Pawar to do the same in the rest of the country.
Addressing a press conference at the NCP headquarters here, Mr Sangma denied media reports that he had ever made any proposal for an NCP-Congress alliance in the North-East, let alone Meghalaya.
The NCP leader severely criticised imposition of President rule in Meghalaya, terming it as "nothing but murder of democracy." He castigated Meghalaya Governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary for allegedly playing a partisan role in recommending Central rule in the State.
Mr Sangma also displayed before the media two identical letters, one written by Congress Legislature Party leader DD Lapang to the Governor and the other from the Governor to Speaker Bindo M Lanong.
The Governor's letter to the Speaker contained what Mr Lapang had written in his letter to Mr Mooshahary, the MPA architect said.
"The Governor, as former Director General of BSF, took orders from the higher-ups and did the same thing in Meghalya. His acts of omissions and commissions belittle his high constitutional position," Mr Sangma said.
The former Lok Sabha Speaker was also critical of the interference in Meghalaya politics by Congress leaders from neighbouring Assam with which Meghalaya has a running border dispute.
"I don't speak about children," he quipped, while referring to Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and NECCC general secretary Shariff Laskar who reportedly campaigned against the Meghalaya Government persistently.
Mr Sangma, who was seen close to top echelons, irrespective of party lines, also expressed unhappiness over the role of "honest" Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and "legal luminary" Union Home Minister P Chidambram in imposition of President's rule in Meghalaya.
On the role of Mr Pawar, Mr Sangma said distancing NCP from Congress was his appeal but he would abide by the party president's decision.
HC defers pronouncement of judgement
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Shillong Bench of the Gauhati High Court has deferred the pronouncement of judgement on the petitions filed by KHNAM president Paul Lyngdoh and Independent legislator Limison Sangma till Friday. The judgement was scheduled to be pronounced on Thursday.
Both the legislators have sought a stay on the interim suspension order issued against them by Speaker Bindo M Lanong.
Meanwhile, the hearing on three separate writ petitions filed by Independent legislator Ismail Marak, Deputy Speaker Sanbor Shullai and former Health Minister Dr Adviser Pariong will be held on March 23.
‘Conspiracy’ to topple KHADC EC
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The political instability leading to President's rule in the State seems to have threatened the Executive Committee (EC) of KHADC.
Despite Chief Executive Member (CEM) Dr Celestine Lyngdoh's recent assertion that the crisis gripping MPA would not have any bearing on ruling Khasi Hills Progressive Alliance (KHPA) at KHADC, a conspiracy is being hatched up to topple the UDP-led EC.
Sources on Thursday alleged that KHNAM president Paul Lyngdoh who triggered the downfall of the MPA Government was the brain behind the ongoing conspiracy to bring down the EC formed by KHPA. It may be noted here that KHNAM is also a partner of KHPA.
"KHNAM MDC and Deputy CEM Lambor Malngiang was given the responsibility of toppling the EC after the KHNAM president resigned from the Dr Donkupar Roy Government and withdrew his support to MPA recently," sources said.
Sources also said Congress recently held negotiation with Mr Malngiang on how to convince three HSPDP MDCs to pull out of the UDP-led EC.
The HSPDP MDCs, however, rejected the proposal, saying they could not betray their party president and their idol Hoping Stone Lyngdoh.
Congress, which has 8 MDCs, requires the support of four KHNAM MDCs, three HSPDP MDCs and the lone independent MDC from Nongskhen to be able to form a new Executive Committee.
The three KHNAM MDCs also did not agree with the idea of Mr Malngiang, and the Deputy CEM has never attended any meeting of KHPA or the EC since then, sources claimed.
Interestingly, Mr Malngiang has not attended the ongoing budget session of the Council.
Meanwhile, another sources said KHNAM had a role in the recent disappearance of HSPDP legislator and former Health Minister Dr Adviser Pariong.
When contacted, Mr Malngiang was not available for comments.
Can Guv swear in KHADC members?
Council to seek legal opinion
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: KHADC has decided to seek legal opinion on the proposed amendment to
Rule 24 of the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Councils) Rules 1951 to make it mandatory for members of the Council to take an oath of allegiance to the Constitution before the State Governor.
As per the proposed amendment, KHADC members would be sworn in by the Governor, not by any State Government official as is the practice now.
The KHADC decision came in response to a resolution moved by UDP MDC Fabian Lyngdoh for an amendment to Rule 24 of the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Councils) Rules 1951 on the second day of the budget session of the Council on Thursday.
Earlier, replying to the resolution tabled by the UDP MDC, KHADC CEM Dr Celestine Lyngdoh said the Executive Committee fully agreed with the idea of bringing in an amendment to enable the members to be sworn in by the Governor, not by the Deputy Commissioner as was the practice.
"It would be a great thing for the members of KHADC if they are sworn in by the Governor," Dr Lyngdoh said.
The KHADC chief, however, requested the UDP MDC to withdraw his resolution in order that the EC could seek legal opinion on the matter before going ahead with the proposed amendment.
While moving the resolution, Fabian Lyngdoh said an amendment to Rule 24 of the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Councils) Rules 1951 would help bring back the "lost dignity and prestige" of the Council.
"KHADC cannot be under direct control of the State Government since it is an autonomous body created by the Constitution of India," Mr Lyngdoh said.
Probe ordered into tree felling
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: KHADC has ordered a departmental investigation into alleged involvement of officials of the Forest Department of the Council in illegal felling of trees at Athiabari plantations. The probe report will be submitted in the coming days, Council chief Dr Celestine Lyngdoh said on Thursday.
This was disclosed by Dr Lyngdoh while replying to a motion moved by Congress MDC Jansing M Tynsong on the secondary day of the KHADC budget session.
"It was learnt that illegal felling of trees and smuggling of timer were being done at Athiabari plantations as per directives of senior officers of the Forest Department of the KHADC," Dr Lyngdoh said, adding he had ordered a departmental inquiry into the matter.
"Trees are being illegally felled not only in Athiabari but also in other forest areas of KHADC like Byrnihat and Lai Lad. The forest areas of the Council have become barren. We would totally stop felling of trees to protect our forest areas," the KHADC CEM said.
He said the Council would deploy more staff in areas where illegal felling and smuggling of trees was prevalent.
Earlier, moving the motion, Mr Tynsong said it was sad that illegal felling of trees had led to loss of revenue of the Council. He blamed officers of the department concerned for that and said the erring officials should be severely punished.
Congress MDC Irin Lyngdoh supported the motion moved by Mr Tyngsong.
Speed up power project: NGOs
From Our Correspondent
NONGSTOIN: Different NGOs under the banner of the Synjuk Sengbhalang West Khasi Hills (SSWKH) have asked the State Government to speed up the implementation of Kynshi Hydro-electric power (KHEP) project which is yet to make any breakthrough even after more than a year of scrapping the MoA with the concerned companies.
Meanwhile, the meeting has decided to meet West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner on Friday to seek information on the progress of assault case of outgoing Mining and Geology Minister Donkupar Massar at Lailad near Borsora, West Khasi Hills last year. Further, they decided to meet director of Community and Rural Development to seek for clarification on the slow implementation of National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in the district.
Guv inaugurates golden jubilee celebrations of ZSI
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The golden jubilee celebration of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Eastern Regional Station was formally inaugurated by Meghalaya Governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary here on Thursday.
The ZSI, Eastern regional station at Shillong was established on March 6, 1959 with the objective of conducting survey and exploration of fauna of north eastern States and ecological studies in the seven states comprising Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Tripura.
In the last fifty years, the Zoological Survey of India, Eastern station had conducted almost 100 surveys and expeditions.
The Department has entrusted the task of also conducting environment impact, assessment of irrigation and hydro electric project and identification of zoological matters.
Speaking at the function, Mr Mooshahary lauded the efforts of the ZSI, Eastern Region in its venture to do research and studies in preserving especially the endangered species.
Expressing concern that some species were in the verge of extinction in the region, Mr Mooshahary said that unless preventive measures were taken to protect, conserve and reproduce the different species, there would come a time when certain species would completely disappear from this earth.
Earlier, ZSI Director Dr Ramakrishna said that the department had completed 160 different researches and studies and found 8 species of animals that are exclusive to the region.
He also said the research and studies conducted included those relating to endanger animals, faunal resources of conservation areas, environmental impact etc.
Besides research and study, the Zoological Survey of India has also taken up activities in creating awareness on preservation of environment and wildlife through different programme and exhibitions.
Party still exists, says MDP president
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: MDP president and party candidate for the Shillong Parliamentary Seat Martle N Mukhim has said that the party would continue to exist despite the recent debacle in both the Assembly and District Council elections.
"The primary objective of the party was to serve the people of the State. It would be totally wrong to relate the party only in activities of contesting and winning elections only because it is a political party," Mr Mukhim said while addressing a press conference here on Thursday.
He said the political parties has various responsibilities to perform adding that the MDP would not restrain itself to only contesting election but would try to contribute to the best interest of the State.
When asked whether he was fighting a losing battle after being defeated in both Assembly and the District council elections, the MDP president said when he had newly joined politics, he had to face several defeats adding that these defeats had never affected his spirit to fight and contest elections.
Due to his hard work and perseverance, he finally achieved success and became the MLA of Dienglieng for four consecutive terms, the MDP president said.
"Despite my defeat this time also, my spirit has not gone down'' he said.
''I am optimistic that after two consecutive defeats I would be third time lucky by winning the Lok Sabha election," Mr Mukhim said.
He also denied that he was sponsored by the Congress to contest the election.
Employment of non-tribals opposed
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: KSU's Malki unit has cautioned all private companies and institutes stationed at Malki not to employ non-tribals henceforth.
Any company or institute who employ non-tribals should do it at their own risk the union said in a statement issued here on Thursday.
The Union has set March 16 as ultimatum for all non-tribals to comply with the order otherwise action would be taken against them.
Source: The Shillong Times
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