Shillong, Feb. 1 -- A major controversy has erupted in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council election campaign in Meghalaya, pitting the Voice of the People Party (VPP) against the Dorbar Shnongs, traditional village councils.

The VPP alleged that the Dorbar Shnongs and village heads, Rangbah Shnongs, have denied permission for public meetings or imposed severe time restrictions, hindering their election campaigning.

The VPP lodged a complaint with the District Council Affairs (DCA) Department, citing restrictions in Khasi and Jaintia Hills that violate Article 19(1) of the Indian Constitution, guaranteeing freedom of speech and expression.

In response, the DCA Department directed district election officers to instruct headmen an...