By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 7: The Hynniewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC), West Khasi Hills district unit, along with its Mawshynrut Circle and Shallang Area Unit, on Tuesday urged the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) to take action against non-tribals doing business at the Shallang market without valid trade licences.
The delegation met KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Winston Tony Lyngdoh and expressed concerns over the increasing presence of non-tribal traders in the market.
Later, HYC West Khasi Hills president Lumlang Syiemlieh told media persons that during an inspection carried out at the Shallang market on April 4, they found that nearly 98 per cent of trade in the market was being controlled by non-tribals.
He said over 180 shops and business establishments operated by non-tribals did not have valid trade licences.
Syiemlieh said the situation is alarming, especially in West Khasi Hills where local traders should have greater opportunities. He urged the KHADC to take action against those operating without proper licences and to strictly enforce existing regulations.
He appealed to the CEM to stop issuing new trade licences to non-tribals in Iew Shallang, citing provisions under the district council laws that empower the authority to regulate trade in scheduled areas.
Highlighting examples from other markets in the district, Syiemlieh said local traders have successfully managed markets, such as Rambrai, Maweit, Riangdo, Nonglang, and even Nongstoin. He questioned why a similar system cannot be implemented in Iew Shallang to ensure that local residents benefit from trade. He stressed the need for coordinated efforts among the KHADC, traditional institutions such as Hima Nongstoiñ, and local bodies to address the issue.
Acknowledging that the task may not be easy, the HYC West Khasi Hills president expressed confidence that the situation can be addressed effectively with determination, proper planning, and collective effort. The HYC hoped that the KHADC will take the matter seriously and act in the interest of local traders.
