HNLC rejects MGSPHSVA’s demand to publish findings of its research cell

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 9, 2025

The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has rejected the demand of the Meghalaya and Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors Association (MGSPHSVA) to publish the findings of its research cell alleging that its president Biolin Pyrtuh and TUR leader Angela Rangad are running a parallel economy. 

In a statement issued on Wednesday, HNLC general secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said, “The HNLC, based on credible findings from our Research Cell, has raised serious concerns about the MGSPHSVA’s involvement in running a parallel economy. Their recent demand that we publish these findings appears to be a diversionary tactic. We reject this demand outright. We will not reveal sensitive intelligence under pressure from those we accuse. The truth will be exposed on our terms, not theirs.”

He said that before questioning the HNLC, the MGSPHSVA should first explain why it always defends the economic interests of non-tribal outsiders instead of protecting the rights and survival of the indigenous Hynniewtrep people.

“Leaders like Angela Rangad and Biolin Pyrtuh and their association claim to fight for street vendors. But in truth, they have become the mouthpiece for non-tribal traders who occupy prime business locations, avoid taxes, operate without proper documents, and push poor indigenous vendors out of their own markets,”he alleged.

He also added, “The so-called “progressive” groups remain silent while non-tribal traders seize control over entire business sectors like fruits, vegetables, garments, shoes, clothes, electronics, hardware, etc. They never speak up when our Hynniewtrep people are pushed to the margins in their own markets. Even worse, our Hynniewtrep men and especially our women are being exploited as benami fronts by non-tribals to bypass laws and tighten their grip on local trade. In the late 70s and 80s, we knew who our enemy was. But in the 21st century, our enemy has become our own people, who betray one another and sell each other out. And you, the so-called champions of street vendors, are no different. You cloak yourselves in activism while serving as shields for a system that exploits our land and our people.”

Nongtraw further alleged that these activists only hold protests when authorities try to regulate non-tribal hawkers. 

“Why is there no protest when tribal vendors face harassment for not having trade licenses? Why don’t they research how outsiders control wholesale markets and force high prices on our people?” he asked.

He said the MGSPHSVA hides behind words like “constitutional rights” and “livelihood protection,” forgetting that the right to livelihood does not mean outsiders can dominate our local markets. Indigenous economic security is also a constitutional right. The land, markets, and resources of Hynniewtrep belong first to its own people.

The HNLC leader further challenged saying, “If MGSPHSVA dares to demand transparency from the HNLC, then let them first open their own books. Publish your membership list, and tell the people how many non-tribals you truly represent. Disclose your funding sources who finances your operations, your court battles, and your media narratives? Present the data showing how much of our market non-tribal traders control versus indigenous traders. If you want transparency, prove you have nothing to hide.”

“Our claim about a “parallel economy” is not false. Everyone knows hidden payments are made to secure vendor spots. Even Dorbar authorities and municipal staff talk quietly about “adjustment money” paid so certain stalls remain undisturbed. Non-tribal traders put big money into these secret networks to keep control over our economy.”

“The HNLC will always defend the economic rights of the indigenous Hynniewtrep people and protect our land from outsiders who exploit local systems, send profits out of our land, and weaken our people’s economic strength. We stand resolute in exposing the people and networks sabotaging the Hynniewtrep economy, no matter  who pretends to be “progressive.” We will do our homework and we will hold them accountable. The economy of Hynniewtrep belongs first and foremost to the Hynniewtrep people, and we will protect it without compromise,” he stated.

“In conclusion, they ask if I exist. I do — and I exist to resist. I am Sainkupar Nongtraw@Wadborlang Nongrum from Hima Sohra, Khliehshnong. I’m the most outspoken Hynniewtrep, fighting for truth and justice for my people and my jaidbynriew. You can call me what you want. In the end, you will be forced to eat the soup you yourselves have prepared,” Nongtraw stated further.