The banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has issued a strong warning to Voice of the People Party (VPP) president Ardent M Basaiawmoit, asking him to refrain from behaving like a “Blei Khyndew” (God of the Earth).
In a statement released on Monday, HNLC general secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw criticised Basaiawmoit’s recent remarks condemning the outfit’s alleged interference in the functioning of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).
Nongtraw said the HNLC remains firm on its stand regarding the KHADC’s failure to issue the sanad (appointment order) to the Syiem of Hima Sohra. He alleged that Acting Chief Mynjurlang Majaw is a party worker of the VPP (Prah), claiming this as the reason behind the delay.
“Ardent should not pretend to be innocent and should not act like a ‘Blei Khyndew’,” Nongtraw stated.
Responding to Basaiawmoit’s appeal for the HNLC to stay away from KHADC affairs, Nongtraw asserted that the outfit has the right to intervene in matters concerning the rights of the indigenous community.
“The outfit has every right to interfere in anything related to the rights of the indigenous people,” he said.
Nongtraw also made a sharp remark, stating that a true leader does not boast before facing a challenge, adding that circumstances may force even a “false David” to become a sacrificial goat.
He further announced that the HNLC will soon publish a book titled “The Blueprint of Hynñiewtrep”, which, according to him, will address two questions raised by Basaiawmoit.
Ending his statement with a rhetorical question, Nongtraw asked whether the VPP leader, as a member of the indigenous community, wishes to become a tenant or a house owner.