RDA releases manifesto, demands ILP, opposes UCC

Shillong, Apr 9 The Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA) in Meghalaya on Tuesday released its manifesto which has demanded implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and the start of the peace talks with the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) opposing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), among other issues.
RDA, an alliance between the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP), stated that to combat influx it would “aggressively pursue the demand for implementation of the (ILP.)”
“Efforts would be made to address issues of border fencing and setting up of Police Border Wing,”
The RDA has set up Robertjune Kharjahrin as its candidate, and he will be contesting on the UDP Symbol.
Advocating for the start of the peace talks with the banned HNLC militant outfit, the RDA bats for meaningful peace talks with the HNLC and other militant group(s) of the state.
he alliance also opposed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), anti-conversion laws, and advocacy for "strong legislation that will punish those who commit crimes against Christians and other religious minorities."
“We shall make a significant effort to evaluate the arrangements for foreign funding to the Christian organizations and other religious minorities. We shall address the issues surrounding the exemption of religious institutions from income tax and the appointment of religious minority representatives to the National Minority Commission,” the RDA manifesto said.
Further to protect the interest of minorities, steps will be taken to seek exemption from the application of the Citizenship Amendment Act in the entire State of Meghalaya.
“Opposition will be made on imposition of Hindi language…beef ban will be vehemently opposed as part of the measures of protecting secular ideology and policy,” it added.
Protection of Khasi-Pnar and Garo people in Bangladesh and review of the Indo-Nepal Peace Treaty will also be one of its top agendas.
Strengthening of autonomous district council would be on the top of its list, RDA said, it would endeavor to bring in Amendments so that laws passed by the Parliament and State Assemblies shall not be applied in tribal areas.
The RDA manifesto also promised youth welfare, unemployment, education, farmers and agriculture, promotion of languages, boundary issues with Bangladesh, tribal welfare, honouring freedom fighters from the state, and strengthening democracy among other issues.