The FKJGP has come out against what it says is a plan to set up a separate market by the Nepali community in Langpih, West Khasi Hills.
“According to the FKJGP Langpih unit press release issued today, “the Nepalis at Langpih plan to open up a separate market near the road to Mawdiangsnam”.
FKJGP Langpih unit general secretary Marbor Nonglang said that this move goes against the will of the local people there.
The pressure group claims that this will create a “great misunderstanding” between the communities, will “snatch the rights” of the local people who have been earning their livelihoods from the existing market, creates fear in the minds of the locals that “business will be overtaken by the outsiders” and lead to the eventual closure of the existing marketplace.
The FKJGP also claimed that anyone who wanted to set up a shop in the new market would have to acquire permission from the Nepali community, who are also “taking help from people from Assam in fulfilling their plans in setting up the new market.”
The group urged the indigenous community not to help in setting up the new market and called on the government to “take immediate action”.