The condition of the MDC hostel in the city has drawn the ire of leader of the opposition in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Titosstarwell Chyne, the member for Sohra, today, who described it as a source of shame.
“Our MDC members are allocated rooms in the MDC hostel but the condition of the hostel has become a source of shame when visitors from various constituencies come,” he stated during the KHADC budget session today.
He criticised the hostel for being dirty and smelly and claimed that it is a hub for all sorts of antisocial activities. Chyne alleged that such illicit activities have disturbed other members staying there, who have complained about late-night jam sessions and loud music coming from the hostel.
This is not the first time that the condition of the hostel has been a subject in the KHADC, with the then Shella MDC Teinwell Dkhar raising the matter of the hostel grounds being overrun by stray dogs in 2023.
Chyne today urged the KHADC Chairman to ensure that the newly-elected Deputy Chairman closely monitors the MDC hostel, so that these activities do not occur and the hostel is properly maintained.
In a separate conversation with reporters, Chyne also stated that MDCs should come prepared to the house and be ready to answer questions.
He remarked that even if the rules allow executive committee (EC) members to state they “require notice,” they should avoid invoking this rule.
According to him, it is the responsibility of the council’s officers and departments to provide information, so executive members can be well-prepared to respond to queries. It was noted today that some EC members were unable to answer questions and requested notice.
Chyne further expressed disappointment regarding the EC’s failure to present an obituary reference today for the deceased ex-MDC member from Sohra, who represented the constituency from 1979 to 1983.
“I am shocked to learn that there was no obituary reference or condolence message in the house today regarding the recent passing of our ex-MDC on March 22,” he added.
