SHILLONG: A delegation of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), South West Khasi Hills, drew the attention of Executive Member of Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Paul Lyngdoh to the allegations that non-tribal traders have by-passed the United Khasi Jaintia (Trading by Non Tribal) rules, 1959.
In a statement issued here, the president of the union, Forwardman Nongrem claimed that there were many non tribal traders who do not possess trading license and also many of them even used the invalid trading license as a permit for their business by not renewing their licenses which had been issued in 2012, 2015 and 2017.
He further said that there are non tribal traders who obtained their licenses to operate their business activities in a particular place but they opened up their business in other places.
“For example, license had been issued for general trade but they’re trading with agricultural produce,” Nongrem said.
The union has requested the KHADC to put a limit in the issuance of licenses for South West Khasi Hills District and Mawsynram Block so as to allow the locals to grab the opportunity of starting any businesses in the market.
The union highlighted the presence of benami and other illegal activities in the region and urged Lyngdoh to consider the issue his top most priority.
Lyngdoh assured the delegation that the matter would be dealt with seriously. He also said that the Council was contemplating to appoint officials in the Enforcement Department of the Council so as to deal with any illegal practices.