Shillong, Feb 8: The Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) on Thursday released its election manifesto and promised to corruption-free government with good governance and strengthens the state’s exchequer.
In the manifesto, the HSPDP also assured of promoting tourism, implementation of Inner Line Permit to tackle influx problem, and pursue the long pending demand for a separate Khasi-Jaiñtia state.
The election manifesto was released by HSPDP president, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit along with other leaders at his residence at Lad Nongkrem.
The manifesto highlighted 18 issues including the demand to include Meghalaya under special provisions of Article 371 similar to Article 371A and Article 371G being accorded to Nagaland and Mizoram respectively. Article 371 is a special provision which empowers the state to protect the customs, practices, land, administration of justice and others to ensure no acts of Parliament can interfere.
Basaiawmoit said that the HSPDP has been pursuing the demand for separate Khasi Jaiñtia state with mutual understanding with the Garo National Council.
“We are optimistic that the Centre would accede to our demand,†Basaiawmoit said.
The other issues include the need to have land laws in the state and improve the existing Meghalaya Transfer of Land Regulation Act, settle dispute boundary with Assam, oppose the proposed mining of uranium and introduction of railway unless there is a device to check influx, and fight for inclusion of Khasi language in the eighth schedule of the Constitution.
Basaiawmoit said that Article 371 would also help the state resist to conflicting laws including ban on coal mining in the state being imposed by the National Green Tribunal, which has affected the economy of the state and livelihood of the people.
The HSPDP also focused on promoting markets including border markets, improve the functioning of Meghalaya Public Service Commission and district selection committees in as far as job recruitment is concerned.
On development, the HSPDP stressed on roads, water supply, agriculture, power supply, besides education, providing affordable healthcare, safety of women and children, and promote talents among the youth.
Basaiawmoit also expressed hope that the HSPDP which entered into an alliance with the United Democratic Party would win this election and form the next government.
He said that the two parties would come up with a common minimum programme based on the manifesto of both the political parties.