SHILLONG: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has denied outright that there was any discrimination on religious consideration while issuing trading licence.
Responding to the petition filed with the Governor by some Hindu residents of Ichamati-Bholaganj area, the CEM Titosstarwell Chyne said on Tuesday, “The Council does not discriminate anyone on the basis of religion. Other communities can engage in trade which can be done under the Trading by Non-Tribal Act.”
Till date 4000 trading licences have been issued within the jurisdiction of the District Council, he said.
Chyne added that there is no discrimination with regard to fresh trading licenses or renewal and said that trading licenses cannot be denied if the traders fulfill the criteria as per the Act.
The Executive Committee (EC) of the KHADC has formed a special committee consisting of legal advisors and other experts to examine the representation of Ichamati residents to the Governor and allotted ten days for issuing suitable reply to the Governor.
The KHADC CEM was referring to the presentation sent by Prantush Sarkar, Mridul Das and Binayak Roy to the Governor of the state, Satya Pal Malik and said that the information provided by the three is misleading.
Chyne noted with regret that the allegations made by the petitioners had tarnished the image and authority of the District Council. The petitioners have “misled” the Governor and the people outside the state, he added.
As for the allegations that the District Council was biased against non-Christians in choosing a traditional head, Chyne refuted the allegations and said that questions of such an allegation does not arise as most of the traditional heads are non-Christians who are still following the indigenous faith.
