By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 23: Tension flared on the second day of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) winter session as Opposition Leader Titostarwell Chyne clashed with Executive Member (EM) Pynkhrawboklin Kharjahrin over a news headline circulated by a Khasi YouTube channel.
The confrontation erupted just before the conclusion of the Question Hour, when Kharjahrin objected to a headline that read: “One of the MDCs was agitated after being interrupted by the Chairman during the debate for asking roadside hawkers to pay professional tax” (Khluit uwei na ki MDC ba knieh ktien ha u Chairman haba phah siew professional tax ia ki nongdie madan).
Calling the headline “misleading,” Kharjahrin said it had tarnished the image of the Council. He cited the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Councils) Rules, 1951, which empower the Chairman to preside over proceedings and to interrupt members when necessary to maintain order.
“While the media plays an important role in society, it cannot spread misinformation or act as a mouthpiece for anyone. Doing so would be cheating the people,” Kharjahrin remarked.
However, Opposition Leader Chyne raised a point of order, arguing that issues related to the media should not be brought to the House.
“There are other channels for an Executive Member to express grievances.
How can you question the media in the House? How can you attack press freedom? Are you attempting to gag the press?” Chyne asked.
He further urged the Chairman to expunge Kharjahrin’s remarks, alleging that the EM had shown disrespect by refusing to take his seat during the proceedings.
