The Hynñiewtrep A’chik National Movement (HANM) of Ri-Bhoi conducted a surprise inspection of the industrial zone in Umiam wherein it allegedly discovered the use of underage labour as well as non-local labourers who did not have the required licence from the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council.
The inspection was conducted on Saturday and was led by HANM’s district President, Pateng Myrsing.
Two underage labourers were discovered by the pressure group working for MN Saw Cum Veneer Mills, Myrsing claimed, while several non-local workers did not have a labour licence.
When challenged on the latter, the managers said that the labourers could not apply for the licence because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
HANM demanded that the Labour Department conducts an inspection of its own so that all illegal migrants can be detected.
