P. B. M. Basaiawmoit

P. B. M. Basaiawmoit is a minority rights activist especially concerned with indigenous people and Christians in Meghalaya and India, more generally.[1][2] As of the mid-1980s he was the chairman of the KJP Synod Jingiaseng Samla.[3] As president of the Heritage, Environment and Status Protection Organisation (Hespo), he led campaigns against uranium mining in Domiasiat in Meghalaya.[4] He has served as convenor of the Khasi Jaintia Environment Protection Council.[5] As of 2013 he served as Vice President of the National Council of Churches in India.[6]

He contested the Shillong Lok Sabha seat in the 2009 Indian general election as a candidate of the Hill State People's Democratic Party. He finished in third place with 97,613 votes (20.32% of the votes in the constituency).[7]

He took part in the 2014 Indian general election as the candidate of the Common People's Front (albeit standing as an independent candidate on the ballot) in the Shillong seat.[8][9] His candidature was supported by the HSPDP and the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement, as well as some independent Members of the Legislative Assembly of Meghalaya.[1][8][10] Ahead of the election he presented a 15-point manifesto, which included opposition to anti-conversion laws, creating smaller states, repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Acts, demanding extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India to all the tribal areas across the country, advocacy for rights for Christian Dalits, review of RTE Act, reform of legislation on foreign funding for NGOs, review of the Look East Policy, right to informed consent of local populations prior to launching natural resource projects and introduction of the right to recall elected officials.[11] Basaiawmoit finished in second place with 168,961 votes, getting 27% of the 6,19,987 votes polled in Shillong (Lok Sabha constituency).[12]

References
  1. "HSPDP, KHNAM affirm support to PBM Basaiawmoit". Meghalaya Times. 14 March 2014. Retrieved 4 March 2020.
  2. Lyngdoh, Andrew W. (30 December 2018). "Meghalaya hopes for mine rescue". The Telegraph (Kolkata). Retrieved 4 March 2020.
  3. The National Christian Council Review, Vol. 106. Wesley Press. 1986. p. 191.
  4. "Novel protest planned in Meghalaya". The Telegraph (Kolkata). 8 August 2003. Retrieved 4 March 2020.
  5. Chandra Bhushan; Chandra Bhushan And Monali Zeya Hazra Souparno Banerjee (2008). Rich Lands Poor People: Is 'sustainable' Mining Possible. Centre For Science And Environment. p. 226. ISBN 978-81-86906-42-2.
  6. "'India a racist state', avers academics". Imphal Free Press. 28 January 2013. Retrieved 4 March 2020 – via KanglaOnline.
  7. Election Commission of India. 25 Constituency Wise Detailed Result
  8. Shillong Times. LS poll: HSPDP, KHNAM extend support to PBM
  9. Election Commission of India. List of contesting candidates
  10. "Eight millionaires in Meghalaya electoral battle". Business Standard. IANS. 7 April 2014. Retrieved 5 March 2020.
  11. Sikkim First. High profile candidate to vie for Shillong LS seat Archived 2014-05-12 at the Wayback Machine
  12. Shillong Times. Purno set for 10th innings in Lok Sabha
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