Prof Lakhon Kma to contest Shillong Lok Sabha seat

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 29, 2024

President of the North Eastern Hill University Teachers Association (NEHUTA) Prof Lakhon Kma Monday announced his decision to contest from the Shillong parliamentary seat in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.  

In a statement, Prof Kma said, “I have decided to embark into this tough journey of joining active politics and contesting elections starting with the coming MP election with a one-point agenda, i.e. to see that Meghalaya, and more specifically, East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, Eastern West Khasi Hills, East Jaintia Hills, West Jaintia Hills and Ri-Bhoi districts flourishes into an overall developed and self-sufficient one where people living in the villages and towns of these districts have a regular source of income which can result in overall well-being. In order to achieve this, we have to address the most neglected and downtrodden groups and try to raise them up so that there is a level playing field for everyone to complete among themselves and then with the rest of the world.”

He said basic needs such as schools, roads, electricity, potable water, health care, sanitation, etc. will be the top priority.

“In the quest for a developed Meghalaya, support and full cooperation of the entire population of Meghalaya and more specifically, those residing in Khasi, Jaintia and Ri-Bhoi districts is required since I am attempting to get a chance to represent the wishes and aspirations of the people as a Member of Parliament from the Shillong seat in the coming Lok Sabha election,” he said.

Prof Kma further stated, “With a huge population of young Meghalayans, we cannot effort to fail them. A young Meghalaya requires jobs for our youths through government services or entrepreneurship for which financial and infrastructural support is of utmost importance. Conflicts arise when there is serious dearth of employment opportunities. Peace comes when everyone is gainfully employed and has a decent standard of life and this is true across the globe. In this journey that I am embarking, there will be difficulties and shortcomings but I believe that if we unite together and work for a new Meghalaya, with each other’s cooperation, we can reach greater heights.”

He said that he is relying on the support of all the young Meghalayans and assured “I will do everything at my disposal live up to their aspirations.”

Stating that the problems and aspirations of Meghalayans have to be raised in the Parliament with full force so that a new chapter on development can be chartered, Prof Kma said, “We cannot afford to shy away from developmental agenda such as better connectivity in land or through the air.”

He said that border disputes, uninterrupted power supply, proper training facilities for our sports persons and athletes, alternate bridge over Umiam lake, scholarships for meritorious students and those at the lower strata of the society, etc. has been our problems for ages and subsequent governments and MPs have not been able to do enough to address these problems. It is largely attributed to corruption at every level of governance and implementation of various welfare schemes and therefore, I have adopted a ‘zero-tolerance policy’ on corruption and corrupt practices as a way of public life.

He further stated that the issue of setting up of CUET centers across the State will be of immediate priority so that our students don’t suffer and denied of higher education.

He said that the recognition of Khasi language under Eighth schedule of the Constitution is another priority adding “However, as MP there are also bigger challenges such as safeguarding the local population, protection of fragile ecosystem, water bodies, and protection of rights of all Meghalayans while embracing developmental projects.”

“Issues like railways, Inner Line Permit, State Reservation Policy, protecting our land and water resources, interstate dispute with Assam, etc. are delicate issues and require handling with all sensitivities keeping everyone’s interest in mind while ensuring that it does not hamper the progress into a new Meghalaya. There has to be a balance and harmony between protecting our identities and economic progress that can benefit everyone,” he asserted.