Row over Meghalaya tribal council’s Blinkit entry ban

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 trade licence to Blinkit, a quick-commerce company.

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

However, the KHADC decided not to grant a trade licence to the quick-commerce company. The council’s Chief Executive Member, Winston Tony Lyngdoh, said Blinkit’s business model posed a threat to indigenous traders and local businesses.

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

He said the KHADC was denying six lakh people a home delivery service of discounted essentials to protect the interests of 4,000 shops in and around Shillong. He pointed out that two lakh consumers were from marginalised families.

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

Dismissing concerns that Blinkit would affect local business, he said they would continue to exist regardless of the expansion of quick-commerce platforms. He also cited the examples of shops in Shillong’s upscale Police Bazar, which “are thriving despite the arrival of Amazon and Flipkart”.

Shillong’s residents said the consumers should have all affordable options, stressing the utility of quick-commerce platforms during emergencies at night when shops remain closed.

The KHADC, ruled by the regional Voice of the People Party, is facing opposition to its “protectionist stance” within. The council’s Leader of the Opposition, Titosstarwell Chyne, argued that the KHADC “cannot legally or practically shield local shops by denying residents the right to shop online”.

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