Staff Reporter

Shillong, Dec 2: The oldest regional party of the state – the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) on Friday decided to revive the party in the Jaintia Hills region.

Wanshwa Nongtdu was appointed as president of the party’s Jaintia Hills Unit and One Way Talang as general secretary during a meeting held at Orchid, Thadlaskein in West Jaintia Hills District.

Dayschbornemi Talang was appointed as secretary in charge of West Jaintia Hills and Wonly Bareh as secretary in charge of East Jaintia Hills while Sucil Dkhar as treasurer of the party.

Addressing the meeting, HSPDP chief KP Pangniang said that the party was formed in 1968 when Meghalaya was yet to attain its statehood and it continues to be committed to protecting the identity and interest of the indigenous people of the state.

“The party has never changed its stand in these past 55 years,” he said.

Pangniang also reminded that many leaders from Jaintia Hills have also won elections on an HSPDP ticket and said former Rajya Sabha member and minister (L) Onward L Nongtdu is one amongst the five MLAs who won from HSPDP. The party is not new to the people of Jaintia Hills.

HSPDP leader and cabinet minister Shakliar Warjri expressed happiness that the party could be revived in Jaintia Hills. He also urged the party workers to work hard to strengthen the party in the region.