From Our Correspondent
NONGSTOIN: A ‘public hearing’ was held at Mawdom near Maweit in West Khasi Hills District on Tuesday to decide the fate of a wine store in the area, presence of which has been opposed by the local residents.
West Khasi Hills Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC), H Warjri and Deputy Superintendant of Excise KL Shylla were also present in the so-called hearing which witnessed the presence of people from all walks of life, including students, NGOs like the Synjuk of Seng Longkmie, Maweit Area, KSU and HANM.
Speaking to media persons, Warjri clarified, “This is not a public hearing but an enquiry. After repeated complaints from the people of the area and the Synjuk of Seng Longkmie Maweit, the Deputy Commissioner, West Khasi Hills had ordered an enquiry into the matter.”
The headman of Mawdom was however disappointed by the widespread opposition and reasoned that presence of the wine store had ensured that liquor peddlers were out of business.
This correspondent learnt that the Dorbar Shnong of Mawdom had given the wine store an NOC which was also signed and supported by five other adjoining villages adjoining.
Meanwhile, Warjri said that the wine store at Mawdom was two years old and there were no flaws in its papers or documents so far. “The enquiry is not over and another meeting with the people and the owner of the wine store would be called after which a detailed report in the matter would be submitted to the Deputy Commissioner,” he said.
