KSU slams JHADC for ‘random issuance of trading license to non-tribals’

SHILLONG: The Khasi Students Union, Jaintia Hills unit has accused the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) of issuing trading license to non-tribals without proper documents.
“RTI findings have revealed that many people who have been granted trading license were unable to produce documents like PRC, police verification, affidavit or even a recommendation letter from a village headman,” president of KSU’s JH unit, O. Dkhar told newsmen here on Tuesday.
The KSU leader added that the union has already apprised the JHADC CEM of the matter.
“The JHADC CEM has admitted that there have been anomalies in the issuing of trading license,” he said. Dkhar informed that as per the RTI report 1, 493 new trading licenses were issued by the JHADC in 2013-14, and 1, 380 in 2014-15.
The KSU leader informed that the district council was unable to furnish receipts for those people who have been issued trading licenses. Claiming that the district council blamed its staff for the anomalies in issuing of trading license, Dkhar said that as per the trading by non-tribal rule, any license issued should first pass through the Executive Committee (EC).
The Union also said that it is shocking to see the district council issuing trading license to even the indigenous people of the district when the same is meant only for non-tribals coming from outside the state.
The council, he said, has requested for more time to reply to the queries.
Meanwhile, president of KSU’s Narpuh circle, Shaphrang Pynkhlong alleged that one Jonny Dkhar had claimed to be the headman of an area falling under the jurisdiction of Lumshnong Dorbar and has also been issuing Sanad to non-tribals enabling them to apply for trading license.
He called for appropriate action against such acts.