Guwahati: The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) on December 22 issued a sharp warning to Voice of the People Party (VPP) president Ardent M Basaiawmoit, accusing him of crossing limits in matters concerning indigenous governance and traditional institutions.
The militant group reacted to Basaiawmoit’s recent remarks questioning the HNLC’s involvement in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), particularly over the prolonged delay in issuing the formal appointment order to the Syiem of Hima Sohra. The HNLC claimed the delay stemmed from political considerations and alleged that the KHADC’s acting chief executive, whom it described as politically aligned with the VPP, influenced the decision-making process.
In a statement, the outfit’s general secretary defended the group’s intervention and asserted that issues linked to customary institutions and indigenous rights cannot be treated as routine administrative matters. The HNLC rejected demands that it distance itself from KHADC affairs, maintaining that it has a legitimate role wherever indigenous interests and traditional authority are affected.
The statement also criticised Basaiawmoit’s public stance, arguing that political neutrality cannot be claimed when party affiliations allegedly shape decisions within autonomous bodies. The group cautioned against what it described as selective moral positioning in debates over indigenous governance.
At the same time, the HNLC announced plans to intensify the ideological discourse by publishing a book titled The Blueprint of Hyn?iewtrep. According to the group, the publication will respond to questions raised by the VPP chief on identity, indigenous rights and the political future of the Khasi people.
The latest exchange has renewed focus on the growing friction surrounding autonomous councils in Meghalaya, underlining the complex and often volatile overlap between traditional authority, electoral politics and militant assertions of indigenous rights.