Shillong Nov 26: Political activist Avner Medon Pariat has condemned the attempts by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), in particular the CEM, to suppress Chandlok Dkhar for exercising his fundamental right to freedom of speech and expressing concerns about alleged corrupt practices within the council.
During the recent Seng Kut Snem celebrations, Dkhar had questioned the relevance of the district councils and also the role of MDCs.
“Dkhar, a concerned citizen like myself, has brought attention to issues that he believes are detrimental to the well-being of the community and in violation of ethical governance principles. It is disheartening to witness the KHADC respond with legal action rather than addressing the concerns raised, thereby creating a hostile environment for whistle-blowers and stifling the democratic values that our society holds dear”, Pariat said.
The KHADC must reconsider its decision and engage in a transparent and open dialogue to address the concerns he has raised, he said. Suppressing dissent undermines the principles of democracy and erodes public trust in institutions, he added.
