Shillong: The replacement of nine veteran local home guards with central agency personnel at the Khliehriat power grid has triggered political ripples, with the Jaiñtia National Council (JNC) launching a sharp protest, calling it a betrayal of local service and sacrifice.
Led by Central Executive Committee (CEC) President Sambormi Lyngdoh, the JNC, in collaboration with its Employment Commission, met with the Chief Manager of the Khliehriat power grid, Sanatanu Das, to seek clarity on the sudden withdrawal of the home guards. The guards in question had served in the department for nearly 10 to 15 years. According to Das, the decision stemmed from a state government notification, which ordered that the current home guards be replaced by personnel from a central government agency.
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Speaking to the media after the meeting, JNC President Sambormi Lyngdoh did not mince words, describing the move as “an affront to the civil defense of the home guards.” He questioned the logic of outsourcing such duties to central agencies when the state already has its own trained and dedicated home guard force.
“These men have not only served this department loyally for over a decade but have also been specifically trained to work within the state’s unique terrain and administrative framework. Replacing them with outsiders undermines both their contributions and the state’s own civil defense infrastructure,” Lyngdoh said.
The JNC strongly opposes what it terms an “unjust and abrupt” dismissal of the guards, emphasizing that such actions send a demoralizing message to others serving in similar roles. The Council has demanded that the existing home guards be reinstated without delay.
Chief Manager Das has reportedly sought time until May 5 to address the matter. However, the JNC has warned that if their demands are not met by the deadline, they will escalate their efforts and pursue alternative actions. This includes engaging with relevant state ministers and exploring other pressure-building measures.
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“This issue isn’t just about nine individuals. It reflects a broader pattern affecting departments across both the government and private sectors. If we continue replacing our own people with outside personnel, what future are we building for local communities? The state must prioritize strengthening its internal civil defense system—not dismantling it,” Lyngdoh added.
The Jaiñtia National Council has made it clear that this is not a one-off protest, but the beginning of a wider movement to safeguard local employment and uphold the dignity of Meghalaya’s trained security personnel.