SHILLONG: The 11th Meghalaya Legislative Assembly’s autumn session beginning tomorrow will be of five working days, informed Chief Minster Conrad Sangma on Thursday.
Out of the five, three days are designated for government business, while the remaining two days are reserved for private members’ business, Sangma told the press, reaffirming it will be as par the calendar approved by the Business Advisory Committee (BAC).
“This is exactly the same number of days as in the past. We have not decreased the session,” Sangma said.
His statement came in response to a demand of extension of the session from the opposition, Voice of the People Party (VPP). Earlier on September 12, the party had formally requested an extension of the Assembly in a letter to the Speaker, Thomas A Sangma. It had argued that a five-day session was insufficient.
Adding that the session has been “more or less” decided by the BAC, the Chief Minister said, “The BAC has members from the opposition on it, and they have jointly decided on the calendar. While individual members may have concerns, there are rules and procedures in place. According to these rules and procedures, the BAC determines the number of days, and we will proceed in accordance with the BAC’s decision.”
Asserting that the successful dialogue needs active participation, the chief Minister also informed that the peace talks with the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) is on and the government has reached out to them through its mediator.
“The government has proposed several key points to the HNLC, and is waiting for a response from them. Once that is received, further discussions will ensue,” he said.
On being questioned about the National Investigation Agency (NIA) cases against the proscribed outfit’s leaders, Sangma clarified that the matter is handled by the Centre and the HNLC has been duly notified.
