SHILLONG — Voice of the People’s Party (VPP) president and Nongkrem MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit has received intelligence inputs warning of a possible threat to his life, following which the Police Department offered him Y-category security cover and a police escort.
Basaiawmoit confirmed that he had received the security recommendation in writing from the authorities and said he was informed about the threat to his safety.
“Yes, I have received in writing requesting me to take security cover,” he said.
The VPP president, however, said he was not prepared to allow the threat assessment to change the way he interacts with people or restrict his public movements.
“I am not scared of dying. If it is God’s timing and destiny for my life to end, no amount of security guards or escorts can save me,” Basaiawmoit said, placing his life and faith in God.
He said heavy security around a political leader could create distance from ordinary people and make it difficult to maintain direct contact with the grassroots.
“As a political leader representing the Voice of the People, I cannot function effectively if I am shielded behind heavy security,” he said.
Basaiawmoit said security personnel and escort vehicles could become a barrier between him and the people, but acknowledged that the intelligence inputs required him to remain careful during political meetings and public engagements.
He said common sense and vigilance were necessary despite his decision not to allow security arrangements to detach him from the grassroots.
The Nongkrem MLA also linked the threat to his political work, saying the VPP’s stated objective of cleaning the existing system could make those opposed to its politics see him as an obstacle.
“I am not scared of dying nor will I ever go into hiding,” Basaiawmoit said, while maintaining that he would continue his political activities despite the security warning.
