Traditional body opposes unit-based property tax

SHILLONG: The Executive Committee of the Lympung ki Hynriew Shnong, which comprises Mawkhar, Wahingdoh, Riatsamthiah, Mission Compound, Umsohsun and Wahthapbru, has in a meeting decided that it would reject the proposal of the State Government to start unit-based self-assessment method of property taxation (Municipal Holding tax) user charges.
In a press communiqué, secretary of the Lympung ki Hynriew Shnong Don Kupar War said the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) has tried to collect property tax, which is against the customary laws of the Khasis, particularly since the State is following a peculiar land holding system.
He added that they support the stand of the Synjuk ki Nongsynshar Shnong ka Bri u Hynniewtrep which is also against the decision of the SMB to legalise property tax for land holdings as heavy taxes, “will be a burden on the people.” War said that the matter will be further deliberated at the Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnong Sor Shillong.