Forty-seven labourers allegedly engaged without valid labour licences were detected by pressure groups in East Jaiñtia Hills and South West Khasi Hills districts.
While 40 of these unlicensed labourers were picked up by members of the Khasi Students Union Wapung Unit, Jaiñtia Students Movements Eastern Region, United Hynñiewtrep Movement and Ladrymbai to Kallain Badarpur Tourist Association, seven were detained by the Khasi Students’ Union, Mawlangwir Unit.
The pressure groups in East Jaiñtia Hills claimed that the workers were detected from four vehicles at Ladrymbai and are engaged to work for cement companies there. They stated that while the labourers who are from Garo Hills do possess valid documents, those who are from Assam were handed over the Ladrymbai police outpost.
The groups also claimed that some of them are underage.
Leaders of the group criticised the district authorities stating they have failed to conduct checking even amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The seven labourers detected by the KSU from Mawkyrwat-Rangthong road yesterday were on their way to Bagli, Borsora.
According to the unit president, Episcopal Lyngdoh the labourers are from Kolpara in Assam and had travelled from Riangdo in West Khasi Hills. He said that while entry to the state is made mandatory from the Umling check gate in Ri Bhoi district, these labourers managed to enter the State without a car pass and valid documents.
