NPP MDC from Sohryngkham Pyniaid Sing Syiem on Tuesday was elected unopposed as the new chief executive member of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).
The election to the CEM’s post was held after the UDP-led United Democratic Alliance (UDA) executive committee collapsed in a no-confidence motion by NPP MDC Bajop Pyngrope.
Addressing the House, Pyniaid said that the new EC is committed to take up issues relating the proposed amendment of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India, inclusion of Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India, financial health of the council, border dispute and others.
“We are taking over the new EC with full responsibility and we assure to put the Council’s interest in the forefront especially in view of the move by the Ministry of Home Affairs to bring the constitutional amendment of the Sixth Schedule. We will continue to follow up the matter with both the State and Centre so that we can further give our suggestions. We also conduct a follow up to ensure the Khasi language is included in the Eighth Schedule at the earliest. This can happen if everybody takes a collective responsibility to push for its inclusion,” he said.
Pyniaid lauded the effort taken up by the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government to complete the first phase of border talks and resolved dispute in six of the twelve areas of difference with Assam and to start the second phase of border talks for resolving the remaining six areas of difference.
The new CEM also informed the House about his telephonic conversation with the chief of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC). “I had requested him (KAAC chief) to ensure there is no harassment committed against the Khasi people residing in areas under the Raid Nongtung along the inter-state border. We are committed to address the grievances of the people living on the border.”
Further, Pyniaid also assured that the new EC will take up steps to improve the financial position of the Council and ensure its over 800 employees are not deprived of their salary.