Nongpoh, Sept 15: In a significant move aimed at enforcing local regulations, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has sealed 46 shops owned by non-tribals. These shops, situated in Ri Bhoi District from Byrnihat up to Khanapara, had been operating for several years without valid trading licenses as required by the United Khasi Jaintia Hills District (Trading by Non-Tribals) Regulation, 1954.
The closure operation was led by Chief Executive Member of the KHADC, Pyniaid Sing Syiem, along with two Executive Members, Alvin Khyriem Sawkmie and Victor Rani. Members of pressure groups such as the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) and Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF) were also present to oversee the proceedings.
Pyniaid Sing Syiem addressed the media after the shops were sealed, explaining the reasons behind the council’s action. He stated that despite being issued show-cause notices twice previously, these non-tribal shops failed to respond or obtain the necessary trading licenses. Consequently, the KHADC had no choice but to take this stringent step.
Syiem also revealed that there are still numerous non-tribal shops operating along the stretch of the National Highway from Byrnihat to Khanapara without valid licenses. In response to this, he instructed the council’s concerned officers to close down these businesses temporarily and issue notices requiring them to obtain the required Trading License within one week.
The Chief Executive Member emphasized the importance of strengthening local businesses within the Khasi community. He urged local youths with the knowledge and capacity to come forward and establish their enterprises, which had long been dominated by non-tribals.