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Newly-elected Meghalaya MLAs take oath

By STAFF CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG, March 7 - All 58 newly-elected legislators of the 10th Meghalaya Assembly today took oath before Pro-tem Speaker Timothy Shira at a special session held here.

Shira, 68, is the oldest member of the House. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma of the National People�s Party (NPP), who is currently the Lok Sabha MP from Tura, was present during the oath taking ceremony.

His predecessor Mukul Sangma of the Congress, who was elected for the sixth time, took oath for the two seats he won � Ampati and Songsak.

United Democratic Party (UDP) supremo Donkupar Roy, also a former CM, took oath for the seventh time as member of the Assembly.

However, there were several young elected members who took oath today. �I have just turned 25. I am the youngest member of the House,� Dasakhiatbha Lamare from the Mawhati constituency said.

Asked his priorities as a legislator, Lamare said some of the basic needs of the people of his constituency would have to be addressed. �Several developmental activities have to be undertaken, be it connectivity, potable drinking water and employment,� said Lamare who was wearing a flashy blue suit.

Mawhati was earlier represented by Julius Dorphang who has been jailed for allegedly raping a minor.

Mawhati in Ri-Bhoi district lacks basic facilities and almost non-existent road communication is one of the biggest drawbacks.

On the other hand, 28-year-old legislator from Umsning Jason Sawkmie Mawlong, who defeated Congress State president Celestine Lyngdoh, said he would focus on creating employment for the youths of his constituency. �I would like to set up career guidance institutes for the youths of my constituency. Unemployment is a big issue here and I will try to do whatever possible to reverse this trend,� Mawlong promised.

Earlier, former chief minister Mukul Sangma shook hands with the members from the treasury and also the Opposition after taking his oath.

PTI adds: Some of the seniors who took oath included Prestone Tynsong, Alexander Laloo Hek, Sanbor Shullai (Treasury,) MM Danggo, Charles Pyngrope, Zenith Sangma (Opposition.)

Meanwhile, it was decided that the Speaker election would be held on March 12. The NPP would field Donkupar Roy of the UDP for the Speaker�s post while the Opposition Congress decided to put up Winnerson D Sangma for the post, sources said.

Of the 58 MLAs, 27 were elected for the first time.

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