North Eastern Hill University Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA) president Prof. Lakhon Kma today announced his decision to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from the Shillong parliamentary seat.
However, Kma did not disclose if he would seek a ticket from any political party or contest as an independent candidate.
Kma is a popular face of the movement by NEHU teachers against the “hasty” implementation of National Education Policy. He also led the agitation by NEHU teachers and students against the various alleged violations of rules by the university authorities.
“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,” he said in a statement issued today.
“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 compete among themselves and then with the rest of the world. Basic needs such as schools, roads, electricity, potable water, healthcare, sanitation, etc. will be the top priority,” he added.
Kma also said that the issue of setting up of CUET centres across the State will be of immediate priority so that students do not suffer and be denied of higher education. He also said that another priority is the recognition of Khasi language under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
He also said that he would be in touch with the masses through meetings, his website (www.lakhonkma.com), WhatsApp and YouTube channel (@lakhonkma) and other social media platforms.
“People can listen and interact with me at their own convenient time through these means of communication. I have visited places across Khasi, Jaintia and Ri-Bhoi districts and will be doing it more as per my schedule to understand their problems and aspirations. If they want me to visit their places on priority, they can drop a message through the website or any other means. I will be there in their localities,” Kma said.
