Meghalaya: KHADC Declines Police Protection Despite HNLC Threat to VPP Leadership

Shillong: The VPP-led Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) on Friday ruled out seeking additional security from the police or the state government, even after a banned outfit issued a threat against Voice of the People Party (VPP) president Ardent M Basaiawmoit.

Speaking to the media, Chief Executive Member (CEM) Winston Tony Lyngdoh said the council has neither filed a First Information Report (FIR) nor plans to do so in connection with the threat. Instead, the KHADC has taken internal steps to strengthen vigilance and enforce discipline within its office premises.

Lyngdoh stated that neither the state government nor the police have contacted the council regarding the threat allegedly issued by the Hynniewtrep National Youth Council (HNLC). He emphasised that the measures taken by the council are purely administrative in nature and intended to improve efficiency and streamline functioning, not to counter any external intimidation.

“As long as we carry out our duties responsibly, there is no need for us to seek protection from the government or approach the police,” Lyngdoh said. He added that council members continue to function normally and move freely, while remaining cautious.

He further noted that no offer of security has been made by either the government or the police so far.

The threat from the HNLC against the VPP, which currently heads the KHADC Executive Committee, dates back to December last year. It arose from the alleged delay and interference in issuing the Sanad, or appointment order, to the duly selected Syiem of Sohra.

In an earlier statement, HNLC general secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw had demanded the immediate issuance of the Sanad to the selected Syiem, arguing that the continued use of Section 11 of the relevant Act and interim administrative arrangements weaken traditional authority.

“The immediate issuance of the Sanad to the duly selected Syiem of Sohra is non-negotiable. The misuse of Section 11 cannot be accepted, justified, or normalised. Customary sovereignty cannot be made subordinate to bureaucratic convenience,” Nongtraw had said.

He warned that any further delay would be viewed as a deliberate attempt to obstruct traditional institutions and held the VPP leadership, which controls the KHADC, accountable for any consequences arising from what he described as the manipulation of the law.

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