The Khun Hynñiewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has demanded immediate closure of shops run by non-tribal vendors along the stretch in Them Ïew Mawlong citing violation of the Trading by Non-Tribal Regulation 1954.
KHNAM working president Thomas Passah made this demand during a meeting with Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) deputy CEM Pynshngain N Syiem today.
According to Passah, several shops and other trades have mushroomed along the stretch which was reopened after six years of closure. He said these shops are being run by individuals and groups without a valid trade license from the KHADC.
He also criticised the district council stating it has miserably failed to implement the law and that it only serves the KHADC as a means to earn money not regulate trading by non-tribals.
On the other hand, the KHNAM also raised violation of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Appointment and Succession of Syiem, Deputy Syiem, Electors and Rangbah Shnong of Mylliem Syiemship) Act 2007″ questioning the functions of headmen from the Garo community within the jurisdiction of the Hima Mylliem.
He stated that Garo headmen were appointed in villages like Maikholi, Pillangkatta A, Longkhuli, Mawiong, Gambalbari, Jyrmang, Jolsyiem, Rangsakona, Chibra, Nongspung A and Nongspung C.
Passah stated that as per Section 2 (0) of the 2007 Act the “Rangbah Shnong” means a traditional elected head of a village or an urban locality under the administrative control and territorial jurisdiction of Mylliem Syiemship who belongs to a Khasi community and is duly appointed as per the provision of this Act.
He also alleged that there is selling of land under the authorisation of these headmen to people not belonging to the Khasi Tribes, which is a violation of Section 3(1) of the Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act, 1971.
“This illegal practice, if not tackled legally, will demolish the very purpose of the Sixth Schedule. Therefore, we strongly demand that immediate legal action be initiated against this individual to ensure that the law of the land prevails at all times to come,” he added.
