Leaders and members of the Umroi Constituency Progressive Forum (UCPF) formally joined the Congress Party today ahead of the upcoming Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) elections.
The move is a boost for the Congress’s Umroi candidate Micky Douglas Syiem, who himself was a founder member of the UCPF, which, despite being a relatively young body, saw fissures develop between its leaders, leading some to support Syiem and others to back former Umroi MLA George Lyngdoh, who is planning to run as an independent.
Today’s event witnessed the presence of prominent Congress leaders and UCPF members, including state Congress working president PN Syiem, Ri-Bhoi Congress president MG Kharshanlor, Ri-Bhoi Congress adviser Stanlywiss Rymbai and Congress candidates from various constituencies such as Victor Rani (Jirang), Rocky A Marwein (Umsning), Dominic Mynsong (Mawhati) and Lawrence Nongrum (Nongpoh).
Addressing the gathering, PN Syiem urged the public to understand the importance of electing representatives to the KHADC who are committed to enacting laws that safeguard the interests of the indigenous community.
He added that the Congress has historically played a pivotal role in securing and empowering the Khasi community by ensuring provisions like the Sixth Schedule. He remarked that the Sixth Schedule, which provides special protection to tribal communities, would not have been possible without the efforts of the Congress party.
