HSPDP’s adjournment motion disallowed by Speaker

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG, March 6: An adjournment motion brought by Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) legislator from Nongkrem, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, was disallowed by Meghalaya Assembly Speaker, Abu Taher Mondal.

Soon after the end of the Question Hour during the Budget Session of the Meghalaya Assembly, Mondal informed the House that he received a letter from Basaiawmoit on Monday morning for an adjournment motion on crime against women and children.

However, the Speaker disallowed the adjournment motion on the grounds that there was already a Special Motion in place on the matter and also the opposition had listed the issue on the amendment to the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address.

United Democratic Party (UDP) legislator from Shella constituency and Leader of Opposition Dr Donkupar Roy and tiol People’s Party (NPP) legislator James K Sangma will jointly raise the issue regarding measures to improve the safety and security of women and children in the light of rise in crimes against them during the amendment to the motion of thanks the governor’s address.

Mondal informed the House that UDP legislator from West Shillong, Paul Lyngdoh will be raising the issue as a special motion on Tuesday.

Trying to make his point on the issue of failure of the government to give security to women and children, Basaiawmoit said that the image of the state has been tarnished due to the involvement of the political class (in crimes against women and children).

“This is an important issue and my intention to bring the adjournment motion is to exhibit that we don’t endorse such crimes,” the HSPDP legislator said.

Basaiawmoit also said that the house should stand united against such crimes and that the issue cannot sweep under the carpet.  

“It will be a great shame for the state if we cannot condone this. If we take up the issue (adjournment motion), it will reflects that the members of the House is concern about the issue,” Basaiawmoit said.

Meanwhile, UDP legislator from West Shillong Paul Lyngdoh said since the speaker has admitted a special motion on the issue hence there is a scope for debate when it will be taken up.