Shillong, July 8: The Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has accused leaders of the Thma U Rangli Juki (TUR) and the Meghalaya and Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Vendors Association (MGHSPHVA) of running a “parallel economy” by protecting and promoting non-tribal street vendors.
In a statement issued today, HNLC general secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw alleged that individuals “masquerading as champions of the poor” were enabling a takeover of public spaces in Shillong by non-tribals.
He named Biolin Pyrtuh, identified as president of MGHSPHVA, and Angela Rangad, described as an “invitee member” and “undercover boss” of the same association, as “traitors to the Hynniewtrep cause.”
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The statement alleged the two leaders not only supported but actively protected and promoted non-tribal street vendors, facilitating what the HNLC termed as the “complete takeover” of areas from Khyndai Lad to Motphran. It claimed these public spaces had been transformed into corridors of profit for outsiders.
The group further alleged that its research ce103 of 121 NE Districts Improve in Health, Education, and Hunger: NITI Aayogll had uncovered a “sinister racket,” stating, “Angela Rangad and Biolin Pyrtuh are running a parallel economy, collecting hefty down payments of Rs 50,000 and more before allocating vending spots, followed by monthly collections.”
The statement claimed that non-tribal vendors were compliant and that their increasing presence on city streets bore the “fingerprints” of Rangad and Pyrtuh.
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“To the HNLC, Angela Rangad and Biolin Pyrtuh are structural pests, termites gnawing away at the very foundation of our society. Their actions are not merely betrayals of our economic rights; they are acts of war against the survival and sovereignty of the Hynniewtrep people,” Nongtraw stated.
The group also alleged that both leaders “betray our people by siding with non-tribals,” and criticized their adherence to constitutional values, claiming the Indian Constitution “guarantees rights to every Indian, but ignores our unique identity and rights as Hynniewtrepians.”
(Newmai News Network)