The banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has issued a strong warning to the Voice of the People Party (VPP), which currently governs the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), threatening action if there is any further delay or interference in issuing the Sanad (appointment) to the Syiem of Sohra.
In a statement issued on Sunday, HNLC general secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw demanded the immediate recognition of the duly selected Syiem, asserting that continued reliance on Section 11 and acting arrangements undermines customary authority.
“The HNLC demands the immediate issuance of the Sanad to the duly selected Syiem of Sohra. The continued misuse of Section 11 will not be accepted, justified, or normalised. Customary sovereignty is not subordinate to bureaucratic convenience,” Nongtraw stated.
He warned that any further delay would be viewed as a deliberate attempt to obstruct traditional institutions.
“Full responsibility for the consequences will lie with those manipulating the law, including the leadership controlling the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, particularly the Voice of the People Party,” the statement said.
The HNLC also accused the district council of acting as a proxy of the Indian state and warned against any political attempts to alter the existing customary framework.
“We stand resolutely against the district council, which we view as nothing more than a puppet of the Indian state. Any attempt by the VPP president, the Chief Executive Member, Executive Members, or any political group to reshape the political landscape will face uncompromising resistance,” Nongtraw warned.
Referring to past events, the HNLC general secretary claimed that the outfit had previously resorted to extreme measures to protect traditional authority during attempts to conduct municipal elections.
He further cautioned that any individual accepting or functioning as an Acting chief in the presence of a duly selected Syiem would be acting in violation of customary legitimacy.
“Any Myntri or individual, including Myntri Mynjurlang Majaw, who accepts the role of Acting chief while a duly selected Syiem exists does so as a personal political choice. The HNLC will not take responsibility for the consequences,” he said.
Concluding the statement, Nongtraw said the outfit’s position was firm and non-negotiable, warning against what he described as political manipulation aimed at weakening Khasi identity and authority.
“Any attempt to threaten our identity, weaken our power, or fracture our Jaidbynriew will be resisted without compromise. Such actions cross a red line, and the response of the HNLC will be firm, decisive, and relentless,” the statement added.