‘Ri Bhoi sawmills owned by tribals, run by non-tribals’

NONGPOH: The Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) has detected several “illegal immigrants” doing business in Ri Bhoi without valid documents.
During an inspection conducted on Saturday at Umtrai market and three illegal saw mills at Umsiang in Mawhati, FKJGP found out that three illegal sawmills owned by locals were being operated by non-tribals from Assam who do not have valid documents.
These saw mills had licences of a furniture unit issued by the chief forest officer of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council where it was clearly mentioned that using of saw blade for sawing of round logs or square beams should not be used and that raw materials should be obtained from government units.
As per information from the owner of one of the illegal mills, Storming Dorphang from Mawker village, the illegal units have been functioning for almost two years but due to lack of finances, he was forced to work with the non-tribals and the timbers produced from his mill were transported to various parts of Assam via the Umsiang-Sunapur road.The education secretary of the FKJGP North Khasi Hills District, Shanbor Diengdoh, told media persons that following the NRC fallout in Assam, the federation has been vigil.
He added that the federation was surprised to witness the presence of illegal saw mills in this part of the district and these “will have a serious threat to the forest and the environment”.
The federation leader said this kind of illegal business attracts punishment as per the Benami Act 1985 and other relevant sections of law as these non-tribals do not possess any valid documents from either the KHADC or the state government.
Further, he asked the concerned licence issuing authority of the government to conduct an inquiry and properly verify before issuing licences.
Meanwhile, FKJGP urged the state government to set up an infiltration check gate on Umsiang-Sunapur road as “this is one of the main routes connecting Assam”.