CPI trying to get foothold in Meghalaya

A Correspondent

Shillong, February 21: The 13th state conference of the Communist Party of India (CPI) was held today with the attendance of 51 delegates from its various branches in the state.

As many as 15 members were elected to comprise the state council and five members for the secretariat at the meeting that was addressed by Pallab Sengupta and Druphad Borgohain, both tiol executive members of the CPI.

Speaking to media, Samudra Gupta, who has been elected as state secretary for a term of three years, said that the meeting discussed various economic problems faced by the people of Meghalaya and also the importance of industrialization in the state which would help generate employment. He said his party also calls upon the government to take necessary steps on the issue of coal mining in the state.

Gupta said that the proposed move to increase the seats in the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in Meghalaya would only increase the expenses of the state government.

The party also questioned the Congress government for not holding the elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) and “unnecessarily” extending its term.

“Just by increasing the number seats the power of the ADCs cannot be strengthened,” Gupta told newsmen.

The conference deliberated on the proposed amendment of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India relating to the tripartite text agreement between the Centre, the State government and two Garo rebel outfits – Achik tiol Volunteer Council (ANVC) and its breakaway faction-ANVC (B), now disbanded.