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| Congress candidate from Sohiong, H.D.R Lyngdoh, addresses a rally at Rangshken on Friday. Picture by UB Photos |
Shillong, Feb. 8: Curbing influx, exempting Meghalaya from the Indo-Nepal Friendship Treaty and resolving the vexed inter-state boundary dispute with Assam, are some of the major issues highlighted in the election manifesto of the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM), which was released here today.
The political party also resolved to introduce the Inner Line Permit (ILP), and implementation of it as the cut-off year to determine the permanent residents of the state, in a bid to check influx.
The KHNAM, which has set up only four candidates in the 60 constituencies, also promised to conduct a cadastral survey and establishment of a databank for the areas along the borders of the state, in order to possess a comprehensive statistics on the demography.
It also expressed the desire to bifurcate the existing joint cadre system of IAS and IPS officers with Assam.
KHNAM president Pyndapborthiaw Saibon, who is also the party candidate from Mawlai constituency, released the party manifesto.
The manifesto also enlists the demand to be made from the Centre to exempt Meghalaya from the 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, which, according to the KHNAM, will minimise the problem of influx that is taking place in the state.
Besides, the party pitched for the promulgation of a strong Lokayukta Act, to check corruption and to ensure that the government becomes transparent and accountable.
Further, KHNAM would seek for an amendment of the existing reservation policy, based on the population of the Khasi and Garo community.
It also vowed for the establishment of a State Human Rights Commission to protect the rights of women and children. The other areas, which the party has touched upon, include health, education, connectivity and tourism.
So far, only the Hill State People’s Democratic Party and National People’s Party, besides the KHNAM, have released their manifesto for the February 23 polls.
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