Benami Transactions Bill should be given more teeth: KSU

SHILLONG/ NONGSTOIN: KSU president Daniel Khyriem on Monday said the Meghalaya (Benami Transactions Prohibition) Amendment Bill, 2016 will have to be strong to be able to curb illegal immigration and it is up to the people to give the Bill the strength it needs and not to depend on the government alone.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the observance of the Khasi National Awakening Day, he said, “We suggest that the Bill should be given more teeth to restraint immigrants from settling in the State.”
April 4 is observed as the Khasi National Awakening Day as a mark of respect to freedom fighter U Tirot Sing Syiem, Chief of Hima Nongkhlaw, who began his fight against the British regime in the Khasi Hills on this day in 1829.
Asked about the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security    Bill, 2016 being referred to the Select Committee, Khyriem said the Union has no problems provided that the conditions suggested by the NGOs are incorporated in the Bill.
“Whatever has been agreed upon during the meetings with the State government should be incorporated and no changes should be made,” Khyriem added.
During the observance of the Khasi National Awakening day, the KSU released a documentary of the trading practices of the Khasis which will be telecast on local cable channels (Pearls, JJs and Lelangki) and on local news channels Ri-Khasi Channel and PCN.
Earlier, Khyriem, while speaking at the gathering, called upon the people to preserve the identity of the Khasis – be it in terms of trade, development and politics.
He also stated that the revival of trade is necessary to provide a platform for unemployed youth of the State to get employed.
Meanwhile, the KSU West Khasi Hills organized a rally to observe the Khasi National Awakening Day. Hundreds of KSU members from different units and circles in West Khasi Hills participated in the rally.
The rally was flagged off from Upper New Nongstoin Petrol Pump and culminated at Nongstoin Market Complex.
Within minutes of the rally being flagged off, at about 3PM, public from every corners young and old join the rally to support the KSU in the Khasi National Awakening Day.
Ex-members of the Union and KSU supporters also took part actively in the rally.
A short meeting was also organized at New Nongstoin Market Complex, where KSU leaders like Joe Marbaniang, John Fisher Nongsiang, Wellesley Lyngkhoi, John Milton Wahlang and others addressed the gathering.