SHILLONG:Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council Executive Member (EM) in charge of Trade, Paul Lyngdoh has asked the non – tribal traders in Nongmynsong to submit proper documents to the KHADC within one week.
A delegation of non-tribal traders from Nongmynsong whose shops were shut down, were accompanied by local MLA AL Hek to meet Lyngdoh to apprise him of the grievances of the non-tribal traders in Nongmynsong.
It may be mentioned that the KHADC Enforcement wing recently shut down 33 shops of non-tribal traders who do not possess any trading licenses from the KHADC.
In a petition to Lyngdoh, Hek said the genuine people of Nongmynsong are being deprived of their rights of livelihood. He pointed out that they have been co-existing peacefully for many years and engaged in their business and other enterprises.
According to Hek, peaceful businesses of genuine people of Nongmynsong is not affected in any way due to new regulations which impinge on their rights and liberties.
The minister has requested Lyngdoh to resolve the matter in humanitarian ground as they are genuine residents of Nongmynsong.
Later, speaking to reporters, Hek said, ” Any genuine non-tribal should not be deprive of their livelihood. They have all the documents with them.”
Meanwhile, Lyngdoh told reporters that the traders of the 33 shops that were shut down do not possess any trading license violating the Trading by Non-Tribal Regulation, 1954.
“We will work out case by case and will follow the Regulation. Shops cannot be open without thorough investigation as the traders should abide by the Regulation,” he added.