The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) met with the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Shemborlang Rynjah, today to demand stringent action against alleged illegal tax collection at KHADC check gates.
HITO chief Donbok Dkhar informed reporters that Rynjah revealed the forest check gates had been leased to an individual by the previous executive committee of the KHADC.
Rynjah also stated that the lease to this individual has been canceled and the new executive committee will now manage the forest check gates directly and take action against illegal collections.
In a memorandum, HITO called for an immediate and thorough investigation into these malpractices. It demanded legal measures against the perpetrators and the revocation of tenders and contracts held by the owners of any check gates found guilty of misconduct. The pressure group insisted that these individuals should be barred from reapplying for any future tenders or contracts indefinitely.
Yesterday during an on-site inspection at the KHADC forest check gates in Puriang, East Khasi Hills, HITO members uncovered evidence supporting these serious allegations. Dkhar explained that they discovered an individual responsible for operations at the check gate was unlawfully collecting payments from vehicles traveling through the highway.
Drivers who resisted this extortion faced threats of confiscation of their goods, creating a climate of fear and coercion. “It has come to our attention that the owner of the check gate may have directed staff to enforce these corrupt practices. This harassment affects not only commercial vehicles but also laborers and daily wage earners who rely on transporting essential goods, including charcoal and used construction planks. Such actions highlight the pervasive corruption and high-handedness of those running the check gate,” he said.
“Regrettably, this incident is not an isolated case; it is merely the latest symptom of a troubling pattern of abuses that have been ignored by both the government and previous councils, leading to ongoing suffering for the hardworking laborers and dedicated members of our community. Therefore, we earnestly implore you to take decisive action against those responsible for these egregious offenses, whether they are owners or staff members of the check gates,” he concluded.
