By Our Reporter
Shillong, Sep 25: RTI activist Manbhalang Phankon on Thursday questioned the legality of 12 tax collection gates, reportedly set up by the office of the Syiem of Hima Mylliem and its Dorbar in Ri-Bhoi district.
Phankon, who hails from Ri-Bhoi, said he intends to seek a clarification from both the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and the District Council Affairs (DCA) Department on whether the office of the Hima Mylliem obtained necessary permissions from the council, or a no objection certificate (NOC) from the Public Works Department or the district authorities to establish these gates.
“It is still unclear whether the office of the Syiem has obtained proper authorisation for these 12 tax collection gates. If no permissions or NOCs were sought, these gates would be considered illegal,” Phankon said.
According to him, heavy vehicles are being charged Rs 200 per trip, Rs 100 for medium vehicles, and Rs 50 for smaller vehicles. He added that vehicles crossing multiple gates in a single trip are required to pay at each gate. These reportedly generated total revenue of Rs 63.28 lakh between 2022 and 2025.
Phankon said these gates impose an additional financial burden on residents rather than serving the community. He and his team are planning to file formal complaints with both the KHADC and the DCA Department.
Earlier, KHADC Executive Member Powel Sohkhlet had stated that only three KHADC-operated tax collection gates exist in Ri-Bhoi district. He made the statement following complaints from truck drivers who alleged that up to 16 such gates were operating in the district.
