SHILLONG: The Hynniewtrep Achik National Movement (HANM), central body has expressed concern over the dominance of “non-indigenous communities” in trade and commerce in the State.
The HANM alleged that the upper hand non-tribal people enjoy in business has only encouraged influx of illegal migrants into the State.
“Only if the indigenous tribals get a strong hold on the market there would be no need to chase the non-tribals away as they would themselves shift base to other greener pastures,” HANM president Lam Kharbani said.
He also alleged that dominance of the market by non-tribals has weakened and dampened the spirit and opportunities for indigenous people to open up.
“There is a need for cooperation between different stakeholders to ensure that locals take control of the market,” he said.
The HANM also advocated that the respective District Councils should don the role of protectors of the indigenous communities.