Shillong: Former assembly speaker Metbah Lyngdoh was on Saturday re-elected the president of the United Democratic Party (UDP), which is a part of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) in the state.
Jemino Mawthoh was re-elected general secretary, while state minister Paul Lyngdoh and MLAs Lahkmen Rymbui, Renikton Tongkhar and Nujorki Sungoh were made working presidents.
MLA Mayralborn Syiem, and former MLAs PT Sawkmie and Shitlang Pale were elected vice-presidents.
Lyngdoh, who will continue to hold the post for another three years, said the UDP will continue to pursue the demand for Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the state, and recognition of Khasi and Garo as official languages under the Eighth Schedule of Constitution.
He said the UDP was glad that a delegation of the state cabinet met Prime Minister Narendra Modi over these issues.
“We are glad to note that the CM and his cabinet colleagues met the PM with regards to the two important issues of the state — the ILP and inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule of Constitution,” Lyngdoh said.
“We will try to see that the matter is pursued again, and is responded to in a positive way,” he said.
Lyngdoh said the two issues have been pending for a long.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
Mawthoh said the UDP is still open to the idea of unification of regional parties in the state.
“The effort is on. We are trying to ensure that the regionalism approach is still in place. We are still together as part of the Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA). We will meet again and discuss the issues concerning the indigenous people,” he said.
The RDA was formed in 2017 by the HSPDP, UDP and Garo National Council (GNC).
Also Read | Meghalaya: Thermal project scrapped after solar project launch