SOHRA: Tensions erupted at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Saitsohpen today as the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF) South East Sohra Circle descended upon the campus to confront a private security firm over allegations of exploitation and illegal demands.
The HNYF intervention follows a series of complaints from local security guards. The spotlight is on North East Security Service (NESS), a newly contracted agency from Assam, which is accused of imposing staggering “Registration Fees” on local workers — Rs 15,000 demanded from Security Guards and Rs 20,000 demanded from Supervisors (SO).
In a move that has sparked outrage, the agency is allegedly demoting or removing local Khasi supervisors, directly violating the standing agreement with NIT Sohra. The contract reportedly mandates that local residents must be retained in supervisory roles—a clause the HNYF claims the agency is blatantly ignoring.
Speaking to the press, Banjop Kongwir, Spokesperson for the HNYF Sohra Circle, said, “It is absolutely shocking that poor workers are being asked to pay such massive sums just to keep their jobs. We have information that the KHADC has stopped issuing Trading Licenses to outside agencies—so how is NESS operating here?”
The HNYF leader revealed that when they arrived for a showdown today, the top management of the agency was “nowhere to be found,” evading direct questions.
The HNYF has officially put the NESS Agency on notice. The Federation has demanded a face-to-face meeting tomorrow with a strict checklist of documents — Valid Trading License from the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC),No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local Shnong, Full Clarification on the illegal collection of registration fees.
The HNYF has warned that if the agency fails to produce the legal paperwork or continues to sideline local workers, the organization will take “stringent action” to protect the rights of the indigenous youth.
