By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 13: The Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF), South East Sohra Circle, on Tuesday alleged that an Assam-based private security agency, North East Security Services (NESS), misused a trading licence issued by the KHADC to secure the contract for providing security services at the permanent campus of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) at Siatsohpen, Sohra.
Speaking to reporters after meeting the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the KHADC, Winston Tony Lyngdoh, HNYF South East Sohra Circle spokesperson Banjop Khongwir alleged that NESS had produced the same KHADC-issued trading licence to obtain security contracts at the Eastern Air Command (EAC).
Khongwir said that when the issue was raised before the CEM, the latter clarified that the trading licence issued to NESS was for a specific purpose and location, and that it had allegedly been misused by the agency.
According to Khongwir, the CEM stated that the licence was issued only for Laitkor for providing security services to the EAC and termed the matter a case of fraud.
“We have now received clarification from the CEM regarding the forgery committed by the Assam-based private security agency. We will seek an appointment with the Director of NIT and demand a comparative statement to ascertain whether any Khasi-owned security agencies had participated in the tender process floated by NIT for security services,” Khongwir said.
Asserting that if it is found that Khasi-owned private security agencies exist, he said they would take steps to ensure that NIT reissues the tender, particularly in view of the alleged fraudulent act of falsely claiming possession of a valid trading licence.
The HNYF spokesperson also demanded that NIT invite fresh tenders and entrust security services at the institute exclusively to Khasi-owned security agencies.
Khongwir informed that prior to meeting the CEM, the organisation had also met the Sordar of Elaka Siatsohpen regarding the issue.
“We thank the CEM for agreeing to stand with us. If the private security agency from Assam has violated traditional governance norms by operating without obtaining an NOC and without the knowledge of the Elaka, then the Elaka must take steps to ensure that such agencies are not allowed to operate within its jurisdiction,” he stated.
Khongwir further said that the CEM assured them that if the KHADC receives any evidence of document falsification by the agency, it would not hesitate to lodge an FIR.
Stating that NIT is a central institute, Khongwir expressed apprehension that the management might manipulate the process to allow outside agencies to operate, thereby depriving local people of tender opportunities.
It may be mentioned that the controversy surrounding NESS is not new.
The agency had earlier assured to issue advertisements for vacant security guard posts at NIT Sohra within ten days and to replace non-local employees with local Khasi youths within 20 days.
The assurance was given by NESS Chief Executive Officer Sarat Kalita during a meeting with HNYF members following complaints by security personnel deployed at the institute.
Kalita had visited Sohra after around 100 security guards at NIT levelled serious allegations against the firm, accusing it of illegally collecting money from job applicants and demoting local employees holding the posts of Assistant Security Officer (ASO) and Supervisor.
The guards alleged that NESS demanded Rs 15,000 from candidates applying for Security Guard posts and Rs 20,000 from those applying for ASO and Supervisor posts under the pretext of registration fees.
They also claimed that several local security personnel were demoted after the agency took charge, thereby leading to widespread resentment among workers.
