MAWKYRWAT: The Khasi Student’s Union (KSU), Balat Border Unit along with the KSU, Ranikor Circle closed down eight shops owned by non-tribals at Balat market, South West Khasi Hills (SWKH) on Monday.
President of KSU, Balat Border Unit, Bonsen Snaitang informed that the KSU conducted a surprise check in which they asked the vendors to produce their trading licences issued by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council.
Sanitang said that the KSU found clear violation of the United Khasi Jaintia Hills District (Trading by Non-tribals) Rules, 1959 there. The shopkeepers could not produce the trading licences and even failed to prove their identity while claiming to be Indians. Some vendors were licensed to trade in a different area but they set up their shops in the Balat market region.
Meanwhile, president of KSU, West Khasi Hills, Forwardman Nongrem informed that the union will conduct such inspections in Mawsynram C&RD block area and other regions to ensure that the law is not violated.
“We will soon meet the EM In-charge of Trade, Paul Lyngdoh to discuss different issues related to trade in the district,” he said. Nongrem urged the EM In-charge of trade to put a cap on issuance of trading licences to non-tribals.