“If the allegation is true, produce the evidence; if not, issue a public apology”

Shillong, September 4: Merihun Shylla, also known as Mary Shylla, of Lumdaitkhla village in Bhoirymbong, has publicly denied allegations linking her to illegal activities, particularly drug trafficking and the sale of narcotics.

Addressing the media at the Shillong Press Club, Shylla alleged that Agatha Nongrum had circulated the accusations against her. She demanded that Nongrum produce witnesses and credible evidence to substantiate the claims or issue a public apology for allegedly damaging her reputation and causing distress to her family.

Shylla said she had endured rumours connecting her to the drug trade for nearly five years. She initially chose to remain silent, hoping the allegations would eventually stop, but said they continued to spread and had seriously affected her reputation, peace of mind and family relationships.

“I have never been involved in any illegal activity, nor have I ever sold drugs. Anyone making such an allegation against me must produce witnesses and evidence. No one should be defamed without proof,” she said.

“I Have Endured Defamation for Five Years”

Shylla, a mother of seven children, said the allegations had caused her emotional distress, fear and anxiety. She added that her children were now old enough to understand the accusations being circulated against their mother.

Her eldest son is 23 years old, and Shylla said the alleged defamation had also affected the dignity and personal lives of her children.

She maintained that a baseless accusation does not affect only the person targeted but can have consequences for the entire family. The anxiety and emotional strain caused by the rumours had disturbed the peace and normal life of her household, she said.

“For five years, I tried to remain silent and endure everything. But I can no longer remain quiet because my children have grown up, and this defamation is affecting them as well. I have the right to protect my name, dignity and the future of my family,” Shylla said.

Claims Her House Was Searched

Shylla further claimed that the rumours portraying her as a drug trafficker had spread widely and that, on January 22, several members of a women’s organisation had gone to search her house.

She questioned the basis for the alleged search and whether those involved had obtained permission from the competent authorities. According to her, the incident further humiliated her and her family in the eyes of the public.

Shylla said that if there were genuine grounds for suspicion, the matter should have been reported to the police or another legally authorised agency for investigation. Unverified rumours, she stressed, should not be used as a basis for humiliating or defaming anyone.

Seeks Face-to-Face Meeting

Shylla said she had written to the village authorities seeking their intervention and a transparent discussion on the allegations. She wanted both parties—the accuser and the accused—to be summoned for a face-to-face meeting so that the matter could be clarified.

However, according to Shylla, the village authorities summoned only her and did not call Nongrum, whom she accused of spreading the allegations. As a result, the proposed face-to-face meeting to establish the truth did not take place.

She urged the village authorities to handle the matter fairly and impartially and allow both sides to present their respective versions. Without such a meeting or the production of evidence, she said, the truth would remain unresolved.

“Apologise or Substantiate the Allegation”

Shylla demanded that Nongrum come forward, clarify her position and produce any witnesses or evidence she might possess. If she could not substantiate the allegation, Shylla said Nongrum should issue a public apology and correct the damage allegedly caused to her reputation.

She cautioned that circulating allegations without evidence could have serious consequences for a person targeted by such claims, particularly when they involve alleged drug trafficking or other criminal activities.

Shylla said she had come forward not to provoke a confrontation or escalate the dispute but to defend her dignity and protect the future of her children. She also appealed to the public not to believe or circulate allegations without first verifying the facts.

“I do not want to fight with anyone. I only want justice. If there is evidence against me, let it be produced publicly. If there is none, the defamation must stop and a public apology must be issued,” she said.

The allegations made by Shylla against Nongrum could not be independently verified. At the time of filing this report, Nongrum’s response or clarification regarding the claims was not available.