From Our Correspondent
TURA, May 10: A dispute has erupted over the issuance and renewal of Trading by Non-Tribal (TNT) licences in the Garo Hills, with Tura MDC Bernard N Marak seeking the Governor’s intervention over alleged administrative irregularities, while the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) strongly denying claims of illegal taxation and unauthorised document demands.
Moving Governor Chandrashekhar H Vijayashankar on Sunday, the BJP leader and Tura MDC alleged grave irregularities in the GHADC’s functioning concerning the TNT Regulation, 1958.
In his complaint, he noted that TNT licences should only be issued to native non-tribals who have acquired agricultural land within the district, established permanent habitation with their family for not less than one generation, and are certified Indian citizens of good conduct, rather than habitual offenders or dealers in commodities unfit for human consumption. “The Regulation makes it clear that mere acquisition of agricultural land does not constitute permanent habitation if the applicant maintains residence elsewhere. Importantly, since such applicants reside within Nokma lands, the Nokmas are the rightful authority to certify their nativity, habitation, conduct, and eligibility. Bypassing this certification undermines the traditional custodianship of the Nokmas and violates the spirit of the Sixth Schedule,” the Tura MDC said.
He alleged the GHADC is issuing licences indiscriminately without verifying origins or habitation, allowing outsiders to infiltrate the Garo Hills and posing a demographic and cultural threat.
Furthermore, he claimed that pattas were being issued to non-locals without Nokma documents, suppressing traditional authority and misusing constitutional autonomy, while imposing unapproved taxes on both tribal and non-tribal traders.
He urged the Governor to restore Nokma authority in certifying applicants, halt unverified licence issuance, invalidate unapproved taxes, and strictly enforce the 1958 Regulation and its 1973 amendment.
Meanwhile, addressing the ongoing issue, GHADC Deputy Chief Executive Member (CEM) Stevie M. Marak clarified that there is no rule requiring non-tribal traders to obtain documents from Nokmas or No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from MDCs to renew their TNT licences.
He stated that traders seeking renewal can directly approach the GHADC office to complete the process without involving middlemen or paying money to anyone.
Responding directly to Bernard’s claims about illegal tax collection and his urging of traders not to pay, the Deputy CEM questioned the rationale behind opposing the levies.
“Why stop the District Council from collecting taxes which has been done from the beginning?” he asked.
He warned that if non-tribal traders follow the Tura MDC’s advice and cease paying taxes or renewing their licences, the GHADC will be compelled to shut down their businesses and shops.
Advising traders to visit the Council office directly for any renewal-related work, he assured them they need not worry about prior NOCs from any individual or authority.
He also urged traders to immediately inform him or the Executive Member in-charge of Taxation if they face any such demands or difficulties during the process.
