HSPDP envisions separate State

HSPDP manifesto is out, demand for a separate Khasi-Jaintia State intensifies, party says separate State benefits are immense

From A Reporter

SHILLONG, Feb 8: The Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) on Thursday vowed to resolve the inter-State boundary dispute with Assam and work for the implementation of Article 371.

The HSPDP also promised to resume its fight for a separate Khasi-Jaintia State.

These issues were highlighted in the manifesto of the oldest regiol political party of the State, which has geared up for the battle of ballot. The manifesto was released on Thursday by party State president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit. The HSPDP is also the first in the State to release an election manifesto for the upcoming polls.

The issues relating to the creation of a separate Khasi-Jaintia State, resolution of the inter-State boundary dispute and opposition to uranium mining have always featured in the party’s manifesto.

With the Assembly election around the corner, the HSPDP, which has so far fielded 13 candidates in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills region, is optimistic about improving its tally in the Assembly.

Speaking to reporters after releasing the manifesto, Basaiawmoit said the manifesto contains 18 issues that the party will take up and soon it will be distributed to the public.

The 18-point manifesto also includes opposition to the railway connection in Meghalaya concerning passenger trains unless a proper mechanism to check influx is introduced.

On the UDP releasing its own manifesto despite the alliance, he said, “There will be a common minimum programme concerning the manifestos between the HSPDP and UDP.”

On the demand for a separate Khasi-Jaintia State, Basaiawmoit said the demand is one of the issues taken up by his party for a long time now and it will continue to lay stress on it.

When asked on the alliance with the Garo tiol Council (GNC), he said, “The HSPDP will fight for a separate Khasi-Jaintia State and the GNC will fight for Garoland. Both the parties have mutual understanding.”

On the benefits on getting a separate State, he said, “There are many benefits that the people will get after the demand for a separate State gets fulfilled. One such benefit is that the me of the community will be associated with the State.”

On Article 371, he said this is a stronger law meant to protect and safeguard the interests of the people.

“Some political parties and leaders have opined that implementation of Article 371 will lead to the dissolution of the Autonomous District Councils in the State. However, the district councils will continue to function,” he said.

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