SHILLONG: The National People’s Party (NPP) officially announced Dr. D.R.L. Nonglait as its candidate for the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha bye-election. The announcement was made by the Chief Minister and NPP National President, Conrad K. Sangma, during a General Executive Meeting held at the State Central Library. On the same day, Dr. Nonglait, who serves as the President of the Khasi Author Society (KAS), formally joined the NPP to begin his journey into active politics.
Addressing the gathering after his induction, Dr. Nonglait expressed that his primary motivation for entering the fray is to work for the welfare of the state and its people.
He emphasized that a top priority of his campaign will be the long-standing demand for the inclusion of the Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Furthermore, he pledged to take up critical issues such as the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP), the overhaul of the education system from the elementary to the higher and technical levels, and the overall empowerment of the youth to preserve the unique identity of the indigenous people.
Dr. Nonglait shared the personal circumstances surrounding his decision, revealing that the process began on April 30 when he received a phone call from Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma while he was still in the hospital. He noted that after five to six days of deep reflection and consultation with family members, colleagues, and friends, he decided to accept the challenge. He credited a leadership team comprising Bah Hamlet Dohling and Bah H.M. Shangpliang for facilitating his entry into the party and his subsequent candidacy.
During his speech, Dr. Nonglait maintained a tone of humility, stating that he does not view this opportunity as a path to personal gain but as a profound responsibility to serve as “salt and light” in an effort to reshape a society that he believes has seen a decline in values. He extended his gratitude to the top leadership of the NPP, including Conrad K. Sangma, Prestone Tynsong, and Sniawbhalang Dhar, for placing their trust in him.
He promised to lead a campaign focused on the essential needs of Meghalaya, including the protection of religious honors and the sustainable progress of the state and the nation.
