Editor,
I am writing to express concern over the recent news item, “HNYF ultimatum to GS Road shops operating with expired licences” (The Shillong Times, November 12,2025). While it is important for every business to maintain valid documents, the manner in which this issue is being handled raises serious questions of legality, fairness, and administrative propriety.
As per the report, the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF), along with Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) officials and police personnel, conducted inspection of shops on GS Road and has now issued a 15-day ultimatum to shopkeepers to renew their license or face closure. It is alarming that a non-governmental organisation can issue directives or “ultimatums” to lawful business owners, as this authority lies solely with government agencies — not with pressure groups.
Moreover, many of the shops along GS Road fall under the jurisdiction of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), not the Shillong Municipal Board. If so, demanding additional licences from SMB amounts to overlapping authority and needless harassment, particularly of non-tribal traders who have already complied with KHADC regulations. This dual control creates confusion and discourages genuine non-tribal traders who have been doing their trade lawfully for decades.
The Government of Meghalaya and both local bodies — KHADC and SMB — must urgently clarify their respective jurisdictions and ensure that enforcement remains within legal boundaries. If there are lapses in licence renewal, proper notices should be issued by the competent authority, not by any NGO or non-official group.
Given the government’s continued inaction and its historical reluctance to address issues affecting non-tribal traders, it may now be essential for the shopkeepers’ Association or affected business owners to approach the High Court. A judicial interpretation of jurisdiction is urgently needed to end overlapping authority, prevent discrimination and protect the livelihoods of law-abiding traders.
While maintaining regulatory compliance is necessary, intimidation of business owners is unacceptable in a democracy. Authorities should instead focus on transparent, single-window systems for trade licenses that treat all citizens equally.
I appeal to the concerned authorities to take note of this issue and prevent further harassment of non-tribal traders who contribute significantly to Shillong’s economy and employment.
Yours etc.,
Homnath Gautam
Shillong-2
Not my circus, not my monkey
Editor,
“Not my circus, not my monkey,” this phrase perfectly sums up any kind of repair or development work in Meghalaya. Every few months, one department decides to dig up roads in the name of development like laying pipes and cables and repairs etc. Of course, we mango citizens appreciate the work, but once they are done, they leave behind ruins that look like a war zone. One department fixes their part and walks away, leaving the mess for another department to deal with. How considerate of them, after all unfinished work keeps everyone employed.
Of course, it is not their department’s job to fix the dug-up roads but how about informing the one responsible, that a stretch has been dug up and now needs urgent repairs. It is a never-ending loop of chaos, a system built on miscommunication and mutual denial. Why is there no foresight in planning before development or repairs are taken up? No coordination, no accountability; just endless digging, dumping, and disappearing. It is almost poetic how synchronized their incompetence is. You would think after decades of doing this, they would at least learn to talk to each other, but no. The charade continues.
The stretch from Rhino Museum to Upper Shillong feels like a durability test on your spine, lungs, eyes, allergies and to test if your car’s clutch plate is tough enough to endure human indifference. Then there are the random craters that appear overnight in every locality which are left without repairs. Ask who dug them up, and you will get the classic Indian shrug of nonchalance – Chalta hai bro. We, the poor mango citizens, have quietly adapted with the “Chalta hai bro” attitude.
We just adapt, to the incompetence, to the dust, to the government breadcrumbing us with shiny schemes and love-bombing us with concerts to distract from the mess. Umngot’s plight is not any different. I ask the higher ups in power currently, this – Don’t your hearts break upon witnessing the state of Umngnot now? In Hindi, there’s a phrase — “Kaan mein joon na rengna” — meaning complete indifference. With power in your hands, granted by us, the common people, how can you still choose not to act?
Being an army kid and having travelled extensively across India, I can tell you with full confidence that no state’s natural beauty matches the beauty of Meghalaya, its culture, its food and its people. The concert economy is thriving, no doubt, but how about also consider nurturing the gifts nature has already bestowed upon Meghalaya and uplift the grassroot workers. Recently, Nirmala Sitharaman and Jyotiraditya Scindia appreciated what we have; I wonder what their thoughts will be if they see Umngot River now.
I and many of us, thank MP Ricky Syngkon for first flagging the Umngot River Crisis. We respectfully urge others to also give a push to get this crisis averted at the earliest.
We mango citizens ask for basics like clean water, proper roads, and a system that works without us having to beg for the bare minimum. Most of us aren’t chasing mansions or millions. After all, we can’t transfer our bank balance to the next life, can we?
Your’s etc.,
Shivani Pde
Via email
300 Crore Tourism Project
Editor,
A Rs 300 crore funding can significantly boost sustainable tourism if directed towards comprehensive, community-driven, and environmentally-conscious initiatives. Successful models demonstrate that such investments should focus on infrastructure, livelihood generation, ecological preservation, public-private partnerships, and innovative experiences to achieve long-term impacts.
Government Ministries and State Government pooled funds for promoting Tourism sector in Meghalaya , however there will have a positive Impact on all unemployed youths as well as discovery of hitherto undiscovered tourism spots if Government undertakes such an exercise in Sohra where land is owned by the locals indigenous tribes and which are not publicly known. This will allow tourists to explore more of what the state has to offer considering the also the rich flora and fauna which are rich potential resources.
Meghalaya should promote ecotourism and green infrastructure, cultural and heritage conservation and also sustainability-focused campaigns to raise visitor awareness, such as not leaving traces of footfalls which are local stewardship programs. What Meghalaya needs are challenge-based project selection, where innovative operators pitch sustainable tourism ideas for funding allocation from PRIME Meghalaya or under the CM Elevate Tourism sector scheme.
Tour operators should work at minimizing waste generation by promoting recycling, composting, and reducing single-use plastics. Hotels, restaurants and home stays should be told to use natural and biodegradable products. Tour operators should hire and train local staff, and source goods from local businesses at fair rates. Tour operators should also invest in restoring heritage sites and sharing their stories responsibly even when they are recommending hotels, restaurants, and tour agencies with eco-certification. These are basic safety initiatives to be communicated by the Government to all tourists.
Yours etc.,
Archie Rymbai,
Via email
