Lyngdoh slams KHADC chairman for behaving like a “de facto” CEM

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 3, 2019

SHILLONG: United Democratic Party (UDP) leader and former KHADC executive member in-charge Trade Paul Lyngdoh on Tuesday said no files from his table have gone missing even as he slammed the Chairman of the Council Pynshngain N Syiem for behaving like a “de facto” CEM. 

His statement came a day after the United Democratic Forum (UDF)-led executive committee in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) had alleged the previous UDA-led EC of indulging in “malpractices”. 

According to the UDF, hundreds of files relating to fresh and renewal trading licenses were found “missing” from the trade department. 

It has also alleged that the UDA had hurriedly withdrawn Rs 10 crore in the name of mobilization fees for the implementation of the various projects.  

In a statement issued here on Tuesday, Lyngdoh said, “How many times will you (PN Syiem) play with the lives of the people of Meghalaya to boost your career? Your allegation, through your camp follower, Latiplang, the self-designated CEM of the KHADC representing a minority of members of the House, poses more questions than it answers.” 

“For instance: How can the Chairman, who heads the Legislature, address the media along with the “CEM” on matters pertaining to policy matters, which is the exclusive domain of the Executive? Or are you simply displaying the fact that you are not just the Chairman but also the de facto CEM of the Council?” he said. 

Syiem while addressing media on Monday had informed that the Council will wait for the report from the officials on the missing files before deciding to either institute an inquiry or file a first information report (FIR). 

“We will check the movement of these files to find out how the files had went missing from the department,” Syiem said. 

Rubbishing this, Lyngdoh said, “No files from my table have gone missing. They were under my perusal and consideration when you staged a coup for reasons you know best. Are you aware that, for the first time ever, the Trade Dept introduced a system of file movement registration to ensure that no files go missing as happened in the recent past?” 

He also asked whether the present EC is aware of the fact that he have also initiated the complete computerization of the Trade Department to ensure timely and speedy clearance of all matters in a transparent way? 

“Did you guys think of such initiatives all these years that you were CEM, EM and what not? What is the fate of the computerization process now? Why are you more concerned about files whose movement has been properly recorded instead of issues crying for immediate attention? What will happen now to the registration of hawkers and their eviction from unauthorized public spaces? The November 30 deadline we gave them is over. What happens next?” 

“I can go on and on, but I have better things to do in life. Before it’s too late, why don’t you guys get a life? Start reading. Listen to wholesome music. Develop great hobbies. Have real and lasting friendships. There’s more to life than breaking up alliances, chasing power and changing loyalties!”Lyngdoh told the leaders of the UDF.