Guwahati/Shillong, April 30, 2026: The North Eastern Security Service (NESS) Pvt Ltd, an Assam-based private security firm, has strongly denied reports claiming it was blacklisted by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) in Meghalaya.
In a statement issued on April 29, NESS Managing Director asserted that the company has not received any official communication from the KHADC regarding blacklisting. The firm clarified that its contract at Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) Laitkor concluded naturally on March 31, 2026, and was not terminated due to any irregularities. A fresh tender process for security services at the institution is currently underway.
NESS also refuted allegations of submitting fake documents or employing fraudulent means, particularly in relation to its participation in the tender for the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Sohra. The company maintained that it has complied with all applicable KHADC regulations concerning trading activities by non-tribal entities. It noted that the matter concerning its trading licence is currently sub judice before the Meghalaya High Court.
Background of the Controversy
The issue surfaced in January 2026 when KHADC Chief Executive Member Winston Tony Lyngdoh announced the blacklisting of NESS. The council accused the firm of violating the Trading by Non-Tribal Regulation, 1954. According to KHADC, NESS allegedly misused a trading licence issued specifically for KV Laitkor to bid for and secure a contract at NIT Sohra. The council emphasised that such licences are location- and project-specific and cannot be transferred or used elsewhere.
As a result, KHADC decided to cancel NESS’s existing licence for KV Laitkor and bar the firm from obtaining new licences in its jurisdiction.
The controversy gained fresh attention on April 27-28 when the Khasi Hills National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) raised concerns over the matter. KHNAM Working President Thomas Passah alleged that despite the reported blacklisting and licence cancellation, NESS continued to participate in various government tenders, including qualifying for one at KV Shillong Peak. The organisation urged the KHADC to strictly enforce its earlier decision.
This dispute highlights ongoing tensions regarding the enforcement of autonomous district council regulations on non-tribal business activities in Meghalaya. While NESS maintains that no formal notice of blacklisting has been served, KHADC’s earlier statements and KHNAM’s recent intervention suggest the council stands by its position. As of now, no fresh official clarification from the KHADC has been issued confirming or withdrawing the reported blacklist.
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