Controversy over denial of permission for public meeting hots up
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 31: The tussle between the Voice of the People Party and the Dorbar Shnongs over alleged denial of permission to the former to hold public meetings has snowballed into a major controversy with the Kynhun San Synjuk (KSS), a conglomeration of various traditional bodies, slamming the Ardent Basaiawmoit-led party for shooting off a complaint to the District Council Affairs (DCA) department, terming it an “unhealthy” practice.
The VPP had lodged a formal complaint with the Commissioner and Secretary of the DCA Department, protesting against alleged restrictions imposed by village heads (Rangbah Shnongs) and traditional leaders (Sordar) on election campaigning for the upcoming district council elections.
The VPP stated that several Rangbah Shnongs and Sordars in Khasi and Jaintia Hills have either refused to grant permission for election campaigns or have imposed severe time restrictions, affecting the party’s ability to conduct its outreach programmes effectively.
The party highlighted that in some villages, election campaigning has been limited exclusively to common platforms and such restrictions violate Article 19(1) of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression.
Following the complaint, the DCA Department on Thursday directed the district election officers, sub-divisional officers and returning officers to instruct the headmen and Dorbar Shnongs to allow public meeting of all political parties including independent candidates in the interest of free and fair conduct of the district council elections.
However, in a fresh order on Friday, the department clarified that headmen or Dorbar Shnong who have decided to permit only common platform for political parties and independent candidates are allowed to do so.
Earlier, talking to reporters after a meeting on Friday, KSS convener, Bantylli L Narry questioned the VPP’s motive in filing a complaint with the DCA Department even though the Mawlai Town Dorbar (MTD) had made it abundantly clear that the decision to impose restrictions on election meetings was taken after consultation with the six candidates (including VPP) who are contesting from the Mawlai.
Narry also pointed out that the MTD had clarified that they will not prevent any political party or candidate from opposing their decision to hold public meetings in the constituency.
“The decision (to restrict public meetings) was taken considering the interest of the students who are appearing their board examinations. The MTD took the initiative with a good intention,” he said.
He asserted that Rangbah Shnongs always take a neutral and non-biased stand and their job is not to criticise or point fingers at any political party or group.
He stated that if the VPP feels that they stand for the good of the indigenous community then they should also understand that the Rangbah Shnongs also have the same objective.
He was severely critical of the VPP’s assertion that “everyone else is wrong”.
The five traditional bodies which attended the meeting included Synjuk Nongsynshar Shnong Nongthymmai Pyllun, Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong Laitkor, Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shilliang Umkhen, Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong Pynthorumkhrah and Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong Upper Shillong.
Members of the Mawlai Town Dorbar also attended the meeting.