By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 23: Voice of the People Party (VPP) president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit has defiantly responded to threats from the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), stating he is prepared to face any consequence — including assassination — if it leads to improved governance and benefits the people of Meghalaya.
In a strong rebuttal, Basaiawmoit emphasised that the VPP’s control of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) stems directly from the people’s mandate, not from any militant group.
He reiterated the party’s commitment to reforming and strengthening governance, particularly by ensuring traditional institutions operate with accountability and transparency.
The VPP chief said there were issues within the traditional institution of Hima Sohra that required correction, and maintained that raising such concerns should not be misconstrued. He underlined that the party’s stand was guided by public interest and reform, not provocation. He added that if eliminating him were to genuinely improve conditions for the people, he was ready to face that outcome.
The controversy escalated after the HNLC on Monday warned Basaiawmoit against behaving like a “Blei Khyndew” (God of the Earth). The outlawed group criticised him for opposing its alleged interference in KHADC affairs, particularly over delays in issuing the Sanad to the elected Syiem of Hima Sohra.
This exchange highlights ongoing tensions between democratic institutions like the KHADC and extra-constitutional forces, amid debates over indigenous rights, traditional authority, and governance in the Khasi Hills.
