Former Mawsynram MLA Himalaya M. Shangpliang has refuted allegations of misusing ₹1.25 crore from the MLA SRWP scheme for 2022-23, accusing UDP leaders of spreading misinformation to mislead the public.
Addressing the media at the Shillong Press Club, Shangpliang dismissed accusations made by RTI activists led by Rochester Thongni, claiming they were politically motivated. He stated that the allegations were driven by UDP members attempting to tarnish his reputation and the growing popularity of the NPP in Mawsynram.
Citing official documents, Shangpliang clarified that an earlier directive from the Community and Rural Development Department, dated August 14, 2023, restricting former MLAs from withdrawing funds, had been revoked by a subsequent order issued on September 6, 2024. Based on the revised directive, the funds were processed through the Treasurer of the All Mawsynram Development Council, Shanborlang Kharbani, and remain in the Council’s Apex Bank account. These funds are scheduled to be released by December this year for public benefit.
Shangpliang accused his detractors of attempting to block developmental initiatives and claimed that the allegations were a desperate attempt to undermine his work and the NPP’s rising influence in the region. He reassured that the funds would be utilized transparently to benefit the local community.
