In a rare show of defiance against the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), the Dorbar Shnong of Nongrim Hills has openly challenged the Council’s decision to block quick-commerce platform Blinkit from operating in Shillong, arguing that consumers should not be denied the benefits of competitive pricing and online retail.
The controversy centres on the KHADC’s move to prohibit Blinkit, citing concerns that the platform would threaten the livelihoods of nearly 4,000 local retail shops. However, Nongrim Hills Rangbah Shnong Bantylli Narry dismissed those fears, stating that the Dorbar Shnong’s Executive Committee—not him alone—had issued the required No Objection Certificate (NOC) to local entrepreneur B. Kurbah, who had partnered with Blinkit.
Narry argued that the Council had overlooked the interests of Shillong’s estimated six lakh residents while focusing solely on the concerns of retailers. According to him, nearly two lakh residents are daily wage earners, while the remaining four lakh belong to the middle class, many of whom are struggling with rising living costs.
He alleged that local retailers enjoy a virtual monopoly, selling products strictly at the maximum retail price (MRP) without offering discounts.
“What is the harm if Blinkit provides a 20 per cent discount? If a family can save even ₹200 on groceries, it becomes a win-win situation. Consumers should have the freedom to choose,” Narry said.
He also rejected claims that e-commerce would destroy traditional businesses, pointing to the continued success of Police Bazar despite the expansion of online marketplaces such as Flipkart and Amazon.
“When Flipkart and Amazon arrived, many believed Police Bazar would disappear. Instead, businesses continue to thrive and new shops are still opening,” he said, suggesting that the KHADC should have explored ways to integrate local retailers into Blinkit’s supply chain instead of imposing an outright ban.
The issue has also exposed a political twist involving BJP MLA and former Cabinet Minister A.L. Hek. Ironically, Hek’s company, Mebaai Security and Service Organisation, had secured the contract to provide manpower for Blinkit’s proposed operations in Shillong.
Hek acknowledged that he had personally approached the Dorbar Shnongs of Pynthorumkhrah and Nongrim Hills to obtain NOCs for Blinkit warehouses, assuring them that employment opportunities would be reserved for local residents.
However, following discussions with the KHADC Chief Executive Member, Hek reversed his position and backed the Council’s decision.
According to Hek, the CEM made it clear that Blinkit would not be allowed to operate because of its potential impact on approximately 4,000 local retail shops. Despite his company’s earlier involvement with the project, Hek said protecting the “bread and butter” of local traders must take precedence.
The dispute has triggered widespread debate across Shillong, highlighting the growing tension between protecting traditional businesses and meeting increasing consumer demand for modern, competitive retail services.