SHILLONG, MAY 5: The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) on Tuesday urged the National People’s Party (NPP) to send Khasi Authors Society president Dr DRL Nonglait to the Rajya Sabha, calling it a “strategic move” to push for the Khasi language’s inclusion in the Eighth Schedule.
In a letter submitted to the NPP state president and deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong, HITO president Donbok Dkhar said the organization welcomed reports that the party was considering Dr Nonglait for the upcoming Lok Sabha by-election.
“We were pleased to learn…that the NPP is considering offering an MP ticket to Dr DRL. Nonglait… This decision aligns with the principles we value, as it demonstrates the NPP’s concern for our local identities and cultural heritage,” the letter said.
However, the organization suggested the Upper House as a better platform.
“We propose that the NPP consider nominating him for a Rajya Sabha seat,” HITO said, noting that “the NPP currently holds a majority of the MLA seats.”
“The Rajya Sabha, being the Upper House, would afford Dr DRL Nonglait a significant platform to advocate for the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. His ongoing efforts in this regard make him an ideal candidate to lead such an important initiative for our community,” the letter stated.
For the Lok Sabha by-poll, HITO said the ticket should go to party loyalists.
“We believe it is essential to prioritise party loyalty and organizational commitment. There are several candidates within the party who are worth considering for this position, including individuals like Hamlet Dohling and Hima Shangpliang, who have consistently demonstrated their dedication to the NPP and its principles,” it said.
Citing the party’s guiding phrase, the organization added, “We are inspired by the words of your leadership, specifically the phrase ‘Kaei ka bym long’, which embodies the spirit of proactive engagement and community representation.”
“We genuinely hope that the NPP will treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves. We trust that the NPP will respond positively and showcase its commitment to representing the voices of the people in our state,” HITO said.
