Shillong: The Voice of the People Party is fighting on two fronts. Party leader Batskhem Myrboh hit out at the Centre over border fencing plans in Pynursla and a fake social media post targeting his campaign. Tensions are high. The party demands the government move the proposed border barrier to the zero line rather than 150 yards inland.
Residents fear the current plan turns their homes into a jurisdictional no man's land. Myrboh visited the border area on July 26 to inspect the site. He argued that a permanent Border Security Force camp already provides security, potentially making the inland fence unnecessary. The party insists that local voices must guide policy. "No decision should be taken without properly considering the concerns and sentiments of the people directly affected," Myrboh said.
Meanwhile, digital warfare is roiling the local political scene. A viral image recently surfaced claiming Myrboh withdrew from the Shillong Lok Sabha by-election. The VPP slammed the post as an AI-generated fabrication. Myrboh pointed to the sweatshirt in the image as proof, noting he has never owned or worn the garment shown. He blamed unnamed political rivals for the stunt. It is not the first time the party has battled misinformation, as previous doctored images falsely linked them to the BJP. Myrboh confirmed his campaign is moving forward as planned.
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