Shillong: Nongrim Hills is fighting back against the KHADC. The local Dorbar Shnong officially challenged the council’s recent ban on Blinkit, the quick-commerce delivery giant. Local leaders believe the council acts to protect a price monopoly rather than the public interest.
Rangbah Shnong Bantylli Narry slammed the restriction. He pointed out that local shopkeepers sell strictly at MRP and offer zero discounts to the community. "A monopoly exists in Shillong where shopkeepers offer no discounts and sell strictly at the MRP," Narry stated. He argues that consumers deserve the right to shop where prices are lower.
The council claims the app threatens 4,000 local businesses. Narry disagrees. He noted that six lakh people live in the city and struggle with high costs. He insists the service provides a much-needed break for the local middle class.
Political alliances have shifted as the pressure mounts. BJP MLA AL Hek previously helped the company secure warehouse permits to create local jobs. He later flipped his stance after meeting with the KHADC. Hek now claims he supports the council to protect the bread and butter of traditional traders.
Narry remains firm. He cited the survival of Police Bazar as proof that digital and traditional markets can live side by side. He maintains that the city should integrate new technology instead of banning it outright.
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