Editor,
An excessive lust for power and obsession with politics often misleads a person. This can be seen in bah Ardent Basaiawmoit, a leader of the Voice of the People Party (VPP). What made me say this, is after I often watched and listened 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 7 May 2026 regarding the matter of the Syiem of Hima Sohra, this gentleman 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 both wrong and shameful for a mature political leader to make those kinds of 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 son of the Hima Sohra, without taking sides, I strongly condemn such statements because they might create misunderstanding and division among the people of Hima Sohra.
Before pointing fingers at others, he should first look at his own back. It is easy for him to accuse others of politicising issues, but fails to see that he and his party politicise almost 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?
I would like to ask this gentleman that, 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? And 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 individual or pressure groups.
Finally, I urge this gentleman 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.”
Carmel Fedrick Malngiang
Wahkaliar, Sohra
