Argue Meghalaya Tribal Council’s Blinkit ban

This file image is for representational purposes only. | Photo credit: PTI

A traditional local body in Meghalaya’s capital, Shillong, has crossed swords with the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) after the latter denied a business license to Blinkit, a fast-food company.

A few weeks ago, Dorbar Shnong of Nongrim Hills issued a no-objection certificate to a local businessman who had tied up with Blinkit and was operating in Shillong. Nongrim Hills is part of Shillong and Dorbar Shnong is the traditional village council of the Khasis, one of the three matrilineal tribes of Meghalaya.

However, the KHADC decided not to grant a trade license to the fast-track company. Winston Councilor Executive Tony Lyngdoh said Blinkit’s business model posed a threat to Aboriginal traders and local businesses.

Bantylli Narry, the Rangbah Shnong of the concerned Dorbar Shnong, faced a “ban” by the KHADC on Saturday (July 4, 2026). The Rangbah Shnong is the elected head of the Dorbar Shnong.

He said KHADC is denying home delivery service of discounted essentials to six lakh people to protect the interests of 4000 shops in and around Shillong. He pointed out that two million consumers come from marginalized families.

“Buying goods from Blinkit which offers 20% discount is cost effective. We feel that people need to have the freedom of choice and not be at the mercy of monopolistic traders who sell goods at MRP,” Mr Narry said.

He dismissed concerns that Blinkit would affect local business, saying they would continue to exist regardless of the expansion of the rapid trading platforms. He also cited examples of shops in upscale Shillong’s Police Bazar “thriving despite the arrival of Amazon and Flipkart”.

Residents of Shillong said that consumers should have all available options and highlighted the usefulness of quick trade platforms during emergency situations at night when shops are closed.

The KHADC, controlled by the regional Voice of the People Party, faces opposition to its “protectionist stance” internally. Council Opposition Leader Titostarwell Chyne argued that KHADC “cannot legally or practically protect local shops by denying residents the right to shop online”.

Mr Chyne, who represents the United Democratic Party (UDP), said the KHADC should not curtail consumer freedom. The UDP is an ally of the National People’s Party, which heads the Meghalaya government.

Published – 05 Jul 2026 21:34 IST