Former UDP leader and MLA Lahkmen Rymbui on Wednesday said the decision of eight UDP MLAs to join the BJP followed discussions held over a period of time on key issues concerning Meghalaya. The eight MLAs joined the BJP in New Delhi in the presence of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and BJP national spokesperson in-charge of the Northeast, Sambit Patra. Addressing at the joining programme, Rymbui said the discussions focused on the inclusion of Khasi and Garo in the Eighth Schedule, amendment of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), easing the process relating to coal mining and relocation of the Harijan Colony from Them Iew Mawlong. He said the move was not sudden and was also linked to the aspirations of some younger MLAs to contribute to society and address issues affecting the State. According to Rymbui, the BJP leadership gave encouraging responses on the issues raised by the legislators and indicated that steps would be taken in the coming days. BYTE: LAHKMEN RYMBUI- FORMER UDP MLA