Editor,
Excessive lust for power and obsession with politics often misleads a person. This can be seen in Ardent Basaiawmoit – leader of the Voice of the People Party (VPP). I have come to this conclusion after watching and listening to his provocative speeches and insulting remarks against others.
Following the march by Ki Khun Ki Hajar ka Hima Sohra to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council on May 7, 2026 regarding the matter of the Syiem of Hima Sohra, Basaiawmoit made extremely reckless statements at one of his party’s election campaign meetings. He said that the NPP is politicising this matter in the KHADC as if all the people of Hima Sohra belong to the NPP.
It is unbecoming for a mature political leader to make such reckless statements without knowing the truth, especially when he projects himself as a responsible leader. His irresponsible remarks clearly show that he is intoxicated by elections and hungry only for power. As a non-partisan son of the Hima Sohra, I strongly condemn such statements because they might create misunderstanding and division among the people of Hima Sohra.
Before pointing fingers at others, Basaiawmoit should first look at his own back. It is easy for him to accuse others of politicising issues, but he fails to see that he and his party have politicised nearly every issue. What is the point of staging street protests against the Government but refusing to attend discussions when invited to the negotiation table? Does he think the public is so foolish as to keep believing his empty and aggressive rhetoric?
Now just because the people of Hima Sohra oppose the Executive Committee in KHADC led by his Party, does that automatically make them members or supporters of the NPP or any other party? But even if they do belong to any party, why should he interfere? Do the people of Hima Sohra not have the right to protest? Is his own party so clean and spotless? Has he forgotten that he himself organises protests and public meetings in markets and streets as a leader of a political party not as an individual or a pressure group?
Finally, I urge Basaiawmoit to refrain from making reckless statements without verifying facts, and to think thrice before speaking. He should stop propagating hatred and spreading division in the name of ieid Jaitbynriew, as it will only bring disunity among our people. If he truly wants public support and genuinely loves his community, he should focus on meaningful work instead of staging street protests that are “all thunder and no rain.” He should participate in constructive debates and discussions and help frame laws and policies. Merely shouting on the streets and insulting others will bear no fruit. He should stop becoming “Ksan Rympei Rem Dorbar.”
Yours etc.,
Carmel Fedrick Malngiang,
Wahkaliar, Sohra
Threats and Calls for “Pynduh Jait” Cannot Silence the Jaintia Voice
Editor,
The reported statement by Danny Khyriem, former KSU leader during the General Council of the Khasi Students’ Union, where he allegedly used the term “pynduh jait” against those he labels as “fake historians,” is deeply alarming and unacceptable in a democratic society governed by the rule of law.
In Khasi usage, “pynduh jait” carries a grave and dangerous meaning- to eliminate, erase, wipe out, kill, or even assassinate those perceived as opponents. When used publicly against individuals engaged in historical, intellectual, or political debate, such language cannot be dismissed as mere rhetoric. It conveys a threatening message that can reasonably be understood as encouraging hostility or violence against dissenting voices. More disturbingly, the statement was reportedly framed in the context of preventing the “jaidbynriew” from becoming “duh jaid” meaning wiped out thereby portraying certain scholars and writers as existential enemies of the jaidbynriew. Such framing is reckless, inflammatory, and capable of provoking serious consequences.
At a time when Jaintia intellectuals, writers, youth, and concerned citizens are peacefully defending the distinct identity, history, and constitutional rights of the Jaintia people through articles, research, public discussion, and democratic engagement, this statement appears to send a direct and intimidating warning against those voices. It comes amid repeated attempts by certain individuals including statements openly made by VPP leader on the floor of the Meghalaya Assembly to subsume the Jaintias under a broader Khasi identity and reduce them to a mere sub-tribe. The Jaintia people have every democratic and constitutional right to reject such attempts through peaceful scholarship and public discourse.
No individual or organisation can claim monopoly over the protection of the jaidbynriew. The survival and dignity of a people are collectively safeguarded by scholars, elders, writers, youth, traditional institutions, social organisations, and ordinary citizens alike. In any democracy, disagreements over history and identity must be answered through evidence, dialogue, and reason not through threatening language such as “pynduh jait”, suggestive of elimination or assassination of those holding opposing views.
Under Indian law, freedom of speech is not absolute. Speech that promotes violence, incites hostility, creates fear, or threatens citizens exercising their democratic rights may attract legal scrutiny. Articles 19(1)(a) and 21 of the Constitution guarantee freedom of expression and protection of life and personal liberty. At the same time, provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to criminal intimidation, incitement to violence, promotion of enmity, and acts prejudicial to public tranquillity empower authorities to take cognizance of inflammatory and threatening statements.
We therefore call upon the Meghalaya Police and concerned authorities to immediately examine the reported remarks and determine whether such statements amount to intimidation, incitement, or a threat to public peace and communal harmony. Public figures and influential organisations must understand that words carry consequences, especially in emotionally charged identity debates.
Let it also be clearly placed on record. Should any intimidation, harassment, violence, or untoward incident occur against any Jaintia youth, writer, scholar, or citizen peacefully defending Jaintia identity and history, moral and legal responsibility will rest upon those who issue such dangerous rhetoric and upon those who endorse or tolerate it.
The Jaintia people will not be silenced by threats. Our commitment to protecting our identity, history, language, culture, and ancestral heritage is rooted not in hatred toward others, but in respect for our forefathers and our rightful place in history. No amount of intimidation or fear-mongering will deter us from defending who we are.
Debate with us on facts, not threats. Counter us with scholarship, not calls for “pynduh jait.” Democracy survives through dialogue, not through rhetoric that places lives and communal harmony at risk.
Yours etc.,
Mantre H Dkhar,
Via email
