The Voice of the People Party (VPP), which runs the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), has strongly condemned the district administration of Ri-Bhoi’s decision to close a toll gate set up by the council at Umdihar on National Highway 6.
Last Friday the Ri-Bhoi District Magistrate ordered the immediate closure of the toll gate as it had reportedly failed to obtain prior permission from the state government to operate.
KHADC executive members Powel Sohklet and WT Lyngdoh stated that the toll gate was established under the council’s Trade Department, as empowered by the Sixth Schedule. They claimed that the gate had received a work order from the KHADC and a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the dorbar shnong.
The executive members expressed outrage at the district authority’s actions, saying it implied that the council was engaging in illegal activities and treating them like “goondas”.
They also questioned the district administration’s manner of closing the toll gate without notifying the council, demanding an explanation for the sudden shutdown.
