A traditional local body in Meghalaya’s capital, Shillong, has crossed swords with the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) after the latter denied a trade licence to Blinkit, a quick-commerce company.
A few weeks ago, the Dorbar Shnong of Nongrim Hills issued a no-objection certificate to a local businessman who partnered with Blinkit to operate in Shillong. Nongrim Hills is a part of Shillong and Dorbar Shnong is the traditional village council of the Khasis, one of three matrilineal tribes of Meghalaya.
However, the KHADC decided not to grant a trade licence to the quick-commerce company. The council’s Chief Executive Member, Winston Tony Lyngdoh, said Blinkit’s business model posed a threat to indigenous traders and local businesses.
Bantylli Narry, the Rangbah Shnong of the Dorbar Shnong concerned, countered the KHADC “ban” on Saturday (July 4, 2026). A Rangbah Shnong is the elected head of a Dorbar Shnong.
He said the KHADC was denying six lakh people a home delivery service of discounted essentials to protect the interests of 4,000 shops in and around Shillong. He pointed out that two lakh consumers were from marginalised families.
