Shillong: Opposition members in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) grilled the ruling administration on Tuesday over opaque toll gate tendering. Opposition Leader Titosstarwell Chyne demanded the Council make tender notices and minimum bid rates public to ensure fairness. He insisted that officials open all applications in front of bidders to keep the process honest. The debate intensified after Mawshynrut MDC Srally Rashir requested specific data on gates along the Shallang-Nongshram and Riangdo-Athiabari routes.
Chief Executive Member Winston Tony Lyngdoh confirmed the Council runs two active gates, one at Athiabari and another at Nongshram. He claimed the Council sticks to its standard notice board system for bids. Chyne pushed back, demanding copies of all notices. Lyngdoh eventually agreed to review potential changes. Meanwhile, MDC Pius Marwein reported that several gates in the Langrin constituency sit idle. Lyngdoh stated the Council cannot act without formal complaints filed to the competent authority.
The tension spilled over into wider administrative grievances. Chyne accused the Executive Committee of mismanaging Elaka administration, citing the removal of the Syiem of Hima Mylliem and rising unrest in Sohra and Langrin. "The responsibility for the KHADC’s image rests with both the ruling and opposition benches," Chyne said. MDCs Ricky Shullai, Barikupar Synrem, and Srally Rashir joined the discussion on the final day of the winter session. Executive Member for Elaka Administration Denzil R. Chen and Lyngdoh defended the Council, focusing on the difficulty of mediating internal Hima disputes.
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