NONGSTOIN: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Mawshynrut comprising of the KSU, FKJGP, LIF, HNYF and the HANM met the Executive Member (EM) In- Charge Trade and Labour, Latiplang Kharkongor, of the District Council at Shillong to discuss the issue of migrant labourers and traders at Shallang in West Khasi Hills District.
During the meeting, Armstrong Sohshang, Secy of the JAC mentioned that Shallang area was rich in coal and the indigenous people of the area were solely dependent on the coal available there. He informed that the coal attracted many people from outside the State as coal traders and labourers, some of which settle there. He added that there were hundreds of coal traders and labourers there without valid papers or trading licenses.
He said that the huge flow of migrants to Shallang posed a threat to the indigenous people as many of the migrant population were gradually settling down with indigenous ladies with an aim to enroll themselves in the electoral rolls of the district.
The JAC urged the EM to take initiatives to conduct periodical checks on the migrant population at Shallang. They also requested the EM to cease issuance of trading licenses to migrants. The JAC also expressed their shock as there were no checks or inspection on the migrant population from the District Council.
The EM replied that he would soon call a meeting with the DC and SP of West Khasi Hills District and the Dorbar Heads of the area to discuss on the matter and also that he would soon conduct an inspection of the area.
Meanwhile, the JAC told The Shillong Times that they were thankful to the EM for hearing them, however, they said if the District Council delayed in taking action as assured, the JAC would conduct checking of papers of the migrant population at Shallang.
