By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 12: A delegation of the FKJGP on Tuesday met Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Chief Executive Member (CEM) Winston Tony Lyngdoh to address concerns over trucks from outside the state transporting limestone at Majai Land Custom Station (LCS) in Shella.
The federation also submitted a memorandum seeking strict enforcement of trading licence regulations and action against alleged ‘benami’ trade involving non-tribals.
FKJGP Sohra Circle president Carlos Kharmih told reporters that local truck owners are losing business to vehicles from Assam and West Bengal. He explained that following a court order, nearly 95 per cent of local trucks have temporarily stopped operations to update their documentation.
However, during this period, outside trucks allegedly brought in by non-local businessmen have taken over the trade.
The CEM clarified that while the KHADC has limited jurisdiction over vehicle registration—which falls under the Transport Department—the council will direct its Enforcement Wing to verify trading licences and ownership details at Majai.
In its memorandum, the FKJGP demanded the cancellation of trading licences issued to non-tribals for limestone export and retail in Majai and Ichamati.
Citing the Trading by Non-Tribal Regulation Act, 1959, the group argued that licences should not be renewed when local indigenous people are capable of managing these businesses.
The delegation also raised concerns over ‘benami’ trade, where businesses are reportedly operated by non-tribals under the names of local residents.
Furthermore, the FKJGP flagged the issue of non-tribal village heads in border areas and urged the KHADC to restore Khasi names to villages currently using non-local nomenclature.
