The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) is of the opinion that the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and that of the Jaiñtia Hills (JHADC) have the power to impose the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in areas falling under their respective jurisdictions.
In a long missive to the Chief Executive Member of the KHADC, the pressure group demanded that the two district councils impose ILP immediately and said that it is ready to “provide enforcement staff on payment” to help the KHADC impose the ILP.
Other demands of the group included the employment of technology to implement the Trading by Non-Tribals Regulation. HITO claimed that private firms, central government departments and those of the state accept tenders and bids without trading or labour licences for non-tribal individuals.
It also called for traditional leaders from the Garo, Khasi and Jaiñtia tribal governance structures to be included in the state’s three district councils.
This, the letter said, is in keeping with the National Commission to review the working of the Constitution, which, the pressure group said, recommended five to be elected or nominated from the positions of Syiem, Dolloi and Nokma.
“Many issues of the jaidbynriew have time and again been compromised due to a lack of leadership and vision in the KHADC. This is the reason that HITO is of the view that the district council must be depoliticised and accommodated proportionately by the elected representatives, including traditional chiefs, from Syiem, Dolloi and Nokma,” HITO said.
The group also wanted clarity as to whether the KHADC raised aspects of the Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement with the state government in regards to the boundary negotiations with Assam.
