The United Democratic Party (UDP), one of Meghalaya’s largest regional parties, has reiterated its firm stance on the ongoing border dispute with Assam, asserting that the traditional boundaries of elakas should define the state’s territorial limits.
“Our stand is very firm that the boundaries of elakas should be the boundary of the state of Meghalaya,” said UDP leader Titosstarwell Chyne. He emphasized that during the last Executive Committee’s tenure, a boundary committee under his chairmanship had submitted a detailed report on disputed areas to the government.
“I think the government should take into consideration our report, as we have given all the materials regarding the ownership of land with reference to the papers or documents submitted by the Himas,” he added.
The party has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and implementing a 3% job reservation for persons with disabilities (PwDs) if elected in the upcoming Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections in the Khasi and Jaintia regions, scheduled for February 21.
Unveiling its 20-point manifesto at the party headquarters on Wednesday, UDP leaders, including Cabinet Minister Paul Lyngdoh, former KHADC Chief Titosstarwell Chyne, General Secretary Jemino Mawthoh, MLAs, MDCs, and party workers, reiterated their opposition to uranium mining and the imposition of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Meghalaya. The party is contesting 40 seats, with 23 candidates in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and 16 in the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC).
Addressing the media, Chyne said, “We seek to reserve 3% job reservation for PwDs in the district council. This is the first time that any party has taken up this issue. We are happy to implement it if voted to power.”
Emphasizing the need for greater autonomy for ADCs, he stated, “We want more power for the ADCs, especially in the ownership of land and another thing with reference to paragraph 3 of the Sixth Schedule.” He also demanded a review of paragraphs 12(a) and (b) of the Constitution and called for changes in the criteria concerning the Governor’s assent to Bills passed by the ADCs under Article 200 of the Constitution.
On political stability, Chyne stressed, “We are totally for implementing the spirit of the anti-defection law in all ADCs. This will help prevent the defection of MDCs after the elections.” He further asserted that the UDP strongly opposes the nomination of MDCs from unrepresented tribes and firmly rejects any attempt to impose the UCC or other laws detrimental to tribal interests.
The party’s manifesto also highlights clean governance, promotion of traditional medicine practitioners, protection of forests and sacred groves, and strict enforcement of the Solid Waste Management Act. On mineral mining, Chyne stated, “The mining of minerals should be in corroboration with the land Bill, especially the right of ownership of the indigenous tribal.” He reaffirmed that the UDP remains firmly opposed to uranium mining.
The UDP also aims to empower traditional Himas, with Chyne noting, “We want to encourage all 54 Himas to have their own Acts because most of them now don’t have one. Out of 54, I think only 24 have their own Acts. To strengthen their functions, powers, and objectives, it is better for each and every elaka or Hima to have its respective Act.” He added that the party intends to promote traditional customs, attire, and culture on a larger scale, ensuring that the Monolith Festival is organized in collaboration with the state government.