Meghalaya CM urges former KHADC exe member to end fast

Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma today appealed former chief executive member of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Adelbert Nongrum, to end his indefinite hunger strike.
Nongrum was on an indefinite fast since May 16 near the Shillong Civil Hospital junction demanding institutionalisation of the traditional institutions in the state.
"In view of positive developments and the assured steps taken, I appeal to you to kindly consider withdrawal of your indefinite hunger strike in the larger public interest," Sangma said in a letter handed over to Nongrum by District Council Affairs minister H D R Lyngdoh.
Informing on the outcome of the meeting held with the present chief executives of both the Khasi and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Councils yesterday, Sangma said all pending issues were discussed with the aim to facilitate the consideration and approval of the Governor on the two bills passed by the councils.

"Both the ADCs have assured that they will take necessary steps to meet essential requirements to facilitate the further progress of these bills," the Chief Minister said.
It was also stated that the respective chief executive members have assured to take immediate actions so as to enable the state government to further process the matter with the Governor on priority basis.

"The draft ordinance - Meghalaya Local Administration (Empowering the traditional institutions, traditional bodies and headmen) Ordinance, 2015 - has again been sent to the Governor today after giving appropriate justification," Sangma said rebuffing rumours that the ordinance would infringe upon the legislative jurisdiction of the ADCs.

However, the former KHADC chief turned down the Chief Minister's plea and refused to withdraw his agitation.
"I told the DCA minister that I am not willing to end my hunger protest," Nongrum told PTI adding, "The ordinance will somehow override the two bills passed by the KHADC and the JHADC.