SHILLONG: The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) youth wing slammed the KHADC for its inaction with regard to the issue of non-tribal labourers working without trading license.
In a memorandum to KHADC CEM H.S. Shylla and the executive member in-charge of labour, the organisation asserted that it is the NGOs that are performing the task of the KHADC and not the enforcement wing of the Council.
“If the KHADC shies away from its duties and responsibilities, other organisations will be forced to take up the matter for the security of the indigenous tribes of the state,” KHNAM said.
The KHNAM youth wing expressed fear that illegal immigrants could penetrate the state as labourers after the release of the NRC draft in Assam.
“Almost 40 lakh people have not been included in the NRC draft of Assam and this is a very big reason for the KHADC to adopt additional measures to ensure that our identity is protected at all times,” KHNAM said.
Claiming that Meghalaya is a soft target, KHNAM said most of these illegal immigrants have found safe haven in the state in the name of cheap labour.
It pointed out to a surprise inspection of a project undertaken by L&T Company at a site located at NEIGRIHMS where the labourers were found working without trading license.
He added that such labourers have made temporary shelters at the site and labourers are on regular shift between Assam and Meghalaya.
EJH non-tribal workers
The East Jaintia National Conference (EJNC) has urged the deputy commissioner of the district to call a meeting of cement factories and the Dorbar Shnong to discuss ways and means to verify documents of non-tribal labourers working in cement factories in the district.
The EJNC also raised concerns that the 40 lakh people left out of the NRC draft in Assam might seek refuge in the state which will pose imminent danger to the local inhabitants.
The EJNC said the district has villages such as Ratacherra which is very close to Assam and urged the district administration to beef up security at the infiltration check gate at Ratacherra to prevent influx. The Deputy Commissioner, M.S. Lhuid assured the union that the office will call a meeting with the Police department on the matter.
