By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 5: The recent threat issued by the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) against Voice of the People Party (VPP) president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit has triggered serious questions, with sources suggesting that the warning may be linked to vested interests surrounding the export of limestone to Bangladesh through the Majai Land Customs Station (LCS) in East Khasi Hills.
The HNLC had accused Basaiawmoit of interfering in the affairs of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), particularly in connection with the delay in issuing the Sanad (appointment order) to the Syiem of Hima Sohra.
However, several observers have questioned why the militant outfit has shown particular interest in Sohra, given that there are many Himas under the KHADC currently being administered by Acting Chiefs or Acting Syiems.
Sources alleged that the threat against the VPP chief points to possible vested interests, especially in view of the lucrative limestone export routed through Majai. The KHADC had been collecting tolls at Majai until the East Khasi Hills district administration, in May 2024, ordered a halt to the collection of tolls by Hima Sohra from trucks entering the Majai LCS for export.
According to sources, the leadership of Hima Sohra has been unhappy over the past year as the management of truck movement and queuing at Majai has been taken over by the Village Defence Party (VDP) of Majai village.
This change has significantly affected the revenue of Hima Sohra, allegedly amounting to losses running into several crores of rupees, sources claimed.
There are also unverified allegations that some surrendered HNLC members are controlling the limestone export to Bangladesh through Majai LCS. However, these claims could not be independently confirmed, as no official source was willing to comment on the matter.
The reporter attempted to speak with several exporters. However, none was willing to comment on the matter.
Meanwhile, allegations have surfaced that the previous Executive Committee (EC) was aware that the HNLC was controlling the export of limestone through Majai. In contrast, the present Executive Committee (EC), led by the VPP, has maintained its commitment to curb the illegal activities taking place within the Hima.
According to sources, the efforts of the present EC have not been welcomed by individuals and groups with vested interests.
It may be noted that exporters transporting limestone and other minerals to Bangladesh pay taxes to Hima Sohra, which are ostensibly used for road maintenance. In the past, the Dorbar Shnong of Majai had questioned the poor condition of roads despite tolls being collected by Hima Sohra.
Following this, the state government, through the district administration, ordered the stoppage of toll collection by Hima Sohra in May 2024. At present, exporters pay taxes only at the KHADC toll gate and the Directorate of Mineral Resources (DMR) weighbridge at Majai.
Meanwhile, sources have also flagged the urgency shown by certain elders of Hima Sohra in pushing for the appointment of former Deputy Syiem Maremdor Syiem as the Syiem Pura (full-fledged Syiem). In a YouTube interview, Sordar of Raid Mawmang, Kynmawshai Majaw, a member of the Dorbar Hima, questioned the election of Maremdor Syiem on November 3, 2025, alleging that it was not conducted in accordance with customary practices.
He stated that the Syiem of Hima Sohra should be elected by an electoral college comprising Myntris, as was done during the tenure of the late Freeman Sing Syiem.
HNLC general secretary-cum-publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw had alleged that the delay in issuing the Sanad was due to Acting Chief Mynjurlang Majaw being a VPP party worker and a close aide of Sohra NPP MLA, Gavin Miguel Mylliem.
However, sources countered this claim, stating that Majaw is associated with the NPP and was appointed Acting Chief following recommendations from several Myntris. It was also learnt that the KHADC Executive Committee has received complaints about alleged illegalities in Hima Sohra, though no concrete evidence has been established so far.
When contacted, VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit said he had no information linking the HNLC threat to limestone export activities at Majai.
“I have already responded. I am prepared to face any consequence if it leads to improved governance and benefits the people of Meghalaya,” he said.
Earlier, Basaiawmoit had emphasised that the VPP’s control of the KHADC is based solely on the people’s mandate and not on any militant group. He reiterated the party’s commitment to reforming traditional institutions and ensuring accountability and transparency in governance.
The banned HNLC, meanwhile, had issued a strong warning to Basaiawmoit, asking him to refrain from behaving like a “Blei Khyndew” (God of the Earth). Nongtraw criticised the VPP chief for condemning the outfit’s alleged interference in KHADC affairs and reiterated the HNLC’s stand on the delay in issuing the Sanad to the Syiem of Hima Sohra.
