Shillong Jan 28: The United Democratic Party on Monday approved its draft manifesto for the upcoming elections to the two autonomous district councils (ADCs) – KHADC and JHADC slated for February 27.

While assuring that the UDP would push for introduction of anti-defection law in ADCs in the state, UDP senior working president, Bindo M. Lanong said that the party is not in favor of extending the tenure of the two ADCs for implementing the proposed amendments to the Sixth Schedule.

The UDP held its Central Executive Committee meeting on Monday and approved the draft election manifesto, while also discussing about the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016.

Stating that the anti-defection law has been a popular demand from several quarters, Lanong said that the absence of this law has caused instability in district councils as there has been formation of five to six Executive Committees within five years due to members defecting from one party to another.

Lanong said that the UDP would press the Centre to approve amendments to the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution and to ensure that anti-defection law as is made applicable to district councils as it being applied to Parliament and state Assemblies.

In the draft manifesto, the UDP assured to strengthen traditional institutions to ensure land under different Himas especially those in areas along the inter-state border with Assam are not encroached.

Lanong said the party also assured that all Himas will have regular Syiems instead of Acting Syiems.

The UDP also seeks to increase the number of village courts for disposing of petty offences and will not pass any law in district councils without any consultation with the concerned stakeholders.

Lanong said that even the KHAD (Khasi Social Custom and Lineage) Bill was passed by the present Executive Committee of the KHADC without proper consultation.

Lanong also assured that the law related to Trading by Non-Tribal Regulation would be strengthened, and checking on labourers coming from outside the state would be intensified.

Meanwhile the UDP has also released the sixth list of candidates who will contest the upcoming elections to the KHADC and JHADC.

The list was approved by the state election committee of the UDP.

The candidates include sitting MDC from Mairang Equator Nongrang, former BJP state youth wing president Egenstar Kurkalang from Nongkrem, Hopingstone Bareh – Sutnga Narwan, Krison Langstang – Sumer, Finelynes Bareh – Rymbai-Khliehriat and FD Ramsiej – Umroi.