Congress finally dumps KHNAM as ally

SHILLONG, Dec 17: It’s final, and official too – the Congress has dropped the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) as its political ally in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council like a hot brick after months of bitter acrimony over the loaves and fishes of office of the Council, triggered by allegations of the Congress chairman, Mansturdy Nongrem that the KHNAM was working overtime to dislodge the Congress-led Council and replace it by another with active support from the Opposition.

Completing the formalities on the floor of the House today, the chief executive member (CEM) of the KHADC, Mansturdy Nongrem moved the no-confidence motion against deputy chairman and KHNAM leader Adelbert Nongrum. Moving the motion, the CEM said, “As a deputy chairman, Nongrum’s conduct and activities have lowered not only his position but also the dignity of the House.” The CEM was however, quick to add, “We have nothing personal against him but his involvement in campaigning against the proposed uranium-mining is an embarrassment to the ruling coalition and the Government”. Ruing the fact that the ruling coalition had to move a no-confidence motion against the Deputy Chairman who was “adamant”, Mansturdy Nongrem also said, “A graceful step down is better than to face the unpleasant removal”.

However, the KHNAM-elected MDC preferred to get the sense of the House as he turned toward the Council in session and said, “As an elected member to this coveted post, you should tell me the reason for having lost your trust in me as Deputy Chairman,” and raising his voice announced, “I may have lost on the floor of the House but I have stuck to my stand and won the hearts of the people.”

Nongrum was removed by a voice vote and this completed the Congress’ formal elimination of the KHNAM from the ruling front. Earlier, two elected KHNAM members were sacked from the executive committee for being involved in their campaign against the proposed uranium mining in West Khasi hills.

After Adelbert Nongrum conceded defeat, nominated member of the KHADC, Kennedy Khriem was elected unopposed to the post of Deputy Chairman. THE SENTINEL