Shillong: The Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) has unveiled its second list of candidates for the upcoming Khasi and Jaintia Hills District Council (ADC) elections, set for February 21.
Among the notable candidates, the party will field former Member of District Council (MDC) Sraly Rashir from the Mawshynrut constituency.
Rashir, who previously served as an MDC from 2004 to 2009 as a Congress party representative, is making his return to the political arena under the HSPDP banner.
The party has also named Phinda Warjri, the elder sister of cabinet minister Shakliar Warjri, as the candidate for the Pariong constituency.
Additionally, journalist Starfing Pdahkasiej will contest from the Mawsynram constituency.
HSPDP president K P Pangiang confirmed that the third and final list of candidates would be announced shortly.
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He emphasised that the party, one of the oldest in the state, remains committed to championing the issues it has historically focused on, including the protection of indigenous rights, land, borders, and the enhancement of traditional governance and adjudication systems.
Pangiang reiterated the party’s dedication to strengthening the power of the ADC within the Sixth Schedule areas and safeguarding traditional customs, laws, and land tenure systems.
He also stressed that the HSPDP has consistently fought for the district council’s rights, particularly in areas that fall under the ongoing boundary dispute with Assam.
The party intends to push the state government to resolve the remaining six areas of dispute, advocating for these territories to be integrated fully into the state of Meghalaya.
As the elections approach, the HSPDP remains steadfast in its mission to protect and promote the rights and interests of the indigenous people of Meghalaya.
