HNLC accuses Rangad, Pyrtuh of running parallel economy

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 7, 2025

The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has accused leader of the Thma U Rangli Juki (TUR) and president of 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, HNLC general secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said, “At the forefront of this treachery stand individuals masquerading as champions of the poor. Biolin Pyrtuh, who calls herself President of the Meghalaya and Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Vendors Association, and Angela Rangad, who sneaks in as an “invitee member” and undercover boss of the same association, are nothing but traitors to the Hynniewtrep cause.”

He alleged that two have not merely supported but actively protected and promoted non-tribal street vendors, facilitating the complete takeover of our streets from Khyndai Lad to Motphran adding they have transformed our sacred public spaces into corridors of profit for outsiders while they themselves grow fat on protection money extorted from hapless hawkers.

The HNLC leader further claimed that the outfit’s research cell has exposed their sinister racket and further alleged, “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. This racket thrives because non-tribals, ever eager to secure a foothold in our economy, comply willingly. It is no coincidence that non-tribal vendors have multiplied across our streets the fingerprints of this duo are all over this economic invasion.”

“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.

Rangad and Pyrtuh shamelessly betray our people by siding with non-tribals, blinded by their false loyalty to the Indian Constitution an instrument that guarantees rights to every Indian, but ignores our unique identity and rights as Hynniewtrepians. The economic freedom of our people is non-negotiable,”he stated.