KHADC opposition stages walkout over alleged denial of debate on service rules

Shillong, Jun 19: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) witnessed high drama on Friday as Leader of Opposition Titosstarwell Chyne led a walkout in protest against the alleged denial of opportunity to discuss the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council Service Rules, 2026.

Before walking out, Chyne accused the Executive Committee of stifling debate and denying elected members their right to speak.

“If you don’t allow this, it means you have rejected us as public representatives. The EC has the numbers, so why is it afraid to discuss? We can sit here till 8 PM if needed,” he said.

Chyne added that he had been given the order to speak and would not have wasted time attending the session if he was not allowed to address the House.

He requested permission to speak only on Part I of the Service Rules, arguing that members must be given a chance since discussion was allowed the previous day.

“This shows that you are afraid. You have denied me my right to speak inside the House. The service rules have nothing for the employees,” he said.

As he left the House, Chyne described the incident as “nothing but a clear case of abuse of power by the ruling bench”.

Chairman Strongpillar Kharjana defended the ruling and said the decision was made as per procedure.

“I have not rejected it. That Rule is binding on the Chair to allow. You should have mentioned something here, or you should have given other wordings that could substitute after the discussion. If you just delete, I will not allow you to speak on something that is meaningless. It is a disgrace to the Chair. When you mention ‘delete’, it means nothing,” he said.

Kharjana then called for members to stand to indicate support or opposition to moving the amendment, and stated, “I have proceeded as per the Rules. I have not denied you. It is your mistake.”

Chief Executive Member Winston Tony Lyngdoh backed the Chair’s decision. “It is not that we are afraid. It lies with the rules of your House, Sir,” he said.

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