Shillong, Dec 5: National People’s Party (NPP) leader and Cabinet Minister Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh on Thursday strongly criticized the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) for attempting to dictate government affairs from the jungle. She challenged the outfit to participate in the electoral process instead of issuing directives, saying, “Please contest the election, come. Be in position while you give your opinions. What is this dictat? I don’t understand what they mean.”
“You (HNLC) can’t decide what happens in the government from the jungle. Come and play the election. Please contest the election, come. Be in a position while you give your opinions. What is this dictat? I don’t understand what they mean,” Dr. Lyngdoh said in a pointed statement.
Further questioning HNLC’s approach, she remarked, “If you cannot continue to be a bogus player again and again, come to the field. Nothing stops you from contesting any election. Or are you in cohort with some political party? Which party are you supporting? Tell the people straight if you want to align with a particular group. If people don’t vote for the NPP, that’s not our problem. But you need numbers in the Assembly to have a say.”
Lyngdoh highlighted the NPP’s growing strength and emphasized its pan-Meghalaya vision. “We now have 32 MLAs, including representatives from West Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi. NPP is not limited to any one community or region. We are a pan-Meghalaya party, serving all religions and communities. We respect everyone and aim to strengthen our voice with the Government of India to address Meghalaya’s needs collectively.”
Warning against divisive narratives, she said, “Do not infuse a communal mindset. We must unite to collectively fight against oppression. We cannot afford to be further divided. Proxy elections or dictates from remote locations are not the solution. Wars have been fought because of such conflicts. Are we forgetting what’s happening in Manipur, our neighbor? Do we want something like that here? This is not a positive way forward.”
Appealing for unity beyond political affiliations, Lyngdoh stressed, “Meghalaya has always been a trendsetter in coalition politics since 1974. When elections are over, we must leave our political differences aside. Our Chief Minister has demonstrated inclusivity—nearly 80% of the schemes he implements benefit people across party lines. We are Meghalayans first. While I am proud to be a Khasi, I will not listen to any dictat from a remote jungle.”
Dr. Lyngdoh’s remarks underline her call for democratic processes and unity to address Meghalaya’s challenges while rejecting coercive tactics from groups like the HNLC.