Shillong, Feb 2: The state youth wing of the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) on Tuesday said it will continue to fight till the demand for creation of a separate Khasi-Jaintia state is achieved.

“We will continue to push forward our demand for a separate Khasi-Jaintia state,” HSPDP youth wing president Sandondor Ryntathiang told reporters after chairing a central executive council (CEC) meeting of the organization here.

He said the demand was first spearheaded by the founder of the party (L) Hopingstone Lyngdoh. “Therefore, we will take all means to get it constitutionally,” he added.

The youth wing president further informed that the party leadership has been working with the Garo Hills leaders for creation of a separate state for the Khasi-Jaintia and the Garos.

“There is mutual understanding on this but it must be constitutional,” he said.

On the growing demand for reviewing the state reservation policy, Ryntathiang while refusing to comment on the issue said, “If we get our own Khasi-Jaintia state, the issue of reservation policy does not arise.”

Meanwhile, the youth wing president informed that the CEC has decided to start the construction of a three-room house for a cyclone-hit family at Mawblei village under Mawthadraishan constituency.

He said selecting the household was based on the recommendation of the Rangbah Shnong.

The youth wing has further decided to organize an essay competition on the need to create a separate Khasi-Jaintia state. He said that the last date for submission of the essays is April 21. The winners will be given cash prizes and certificates.

He informed that as far as the enrolment drive is concerned more than 1000 youths have enrolled with the party’s youth wing adding very soon the online enrollment of youth will also start.

“We will also be selecting two students from the state to sponsor them for their education,” he said.