A section of Shillong’s trading community has thrown its weight behind the VPP-led Executive Committee of the KHADC in opposing the return of quick-commerce platform Blinkit, arguing that its operation would severely affect the livelihoods of thousands of local traders and workers.
Representatives of the city’s business community on Thursday expressed concern over reports that Blinkit could resume operations in Shillong, maintaining that its previous presence had adversely impacted local businesses.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Andrew Nongkynrih recalled that Blinkit operated in Shillong for about three months in 2025, during which local traders witnessed a sharp decline in business.
He said many shops reported a fall in sales ranging from 40-50%, while 30 to 40 establishments were forced to shut down due to mounting losses.
Following the experience, the trading community had approached the KHADC Executive Committee, which ultimately led to the closure of Blinkit’s operations in the city, he said.
Nongkynrih asserted that the issue extends beyond the city’s estimated 4,000 shop owners, affecting a much larger network of distributors, wholesalers, employees, head-load workers, drivers, and their families, who together account for nearly 20% of Shillong’s population.