NONGSTOIN: Acting on its own, the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Lyngngam Hynneng Brei Unit and Nongtre Lyngngam A·chik Youth Federation (NLAYF), Maweit Circle, on Monday issued ‘quit notices’ to all non-tribal residents of Shallang who do not possess valid documents to prove their identity.
KSU unit president Stelius Rongrin and NLAYF president Shiningstar K. Dewsaw, in a joint press statement, informed media persons about their decision saying that the non-tribal people residing in Shallang have been issued a 10-day deadline (August 29) to leave the place bag and baggage.
Warning that violators of the ‘quit notice’ would be dealt with firmly, Rongrin urged the local residents of Shallang area not to provide shelter or any other form of help to any of the non-tribals.
Explaining the reason behind the ‘quite notice’, Rongrin and Khardewsaw stated that the non-tribal people, working and residing under Shallang area, did not possess valid papers and had illegally settled in the area. Rongrin also said that the quit notice was meant to ensure the longevity and protection of the tribal communities in Shallang area.
Both the NGOs alleged that small-time local businessmen in Shallang like vegetable vendors, grocers and fish sellers will go hungry because their right to livelihood was being hijacked by non-tribals.
“Most of the business (not to mention coal mining) in Shallang has been captured by non-tribals,” the statement said.
The two organisations also slammed the KHADC for not taking any step to check trading license and valid documents in Shallang.
They also decided to urge the KHADC to work together to drive away all illegal settlers from Shallang. They further warned that after the 10-day notice period, they will conduct rampant checking at Shallang and if any non-tribal was found to be residing in Shallang without valid papers, they would be forcibly sent back to their native place.