SHILLONG:
Chief Executive Member of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Titosstarwell Chyne on Thursday directed immediate action against illegally set up businesses by non-tribals at Them Ïew Mawlong, Ïewduh, which is one of the biggest traditional markets in the state.
While on the job observing the construction of Ïew Dielang, the Council simultaneously conducted an inspection of the Ïewduh market after many years, where it was found that many non-tribals have been running businesses without the mandatory permissions and trading licenses from the Council.
Chyne was accompanied by the Executive Member in charge of Trade Grace Mary Kharpuri and officials from the Council’s enforcement wing and office of the Syiem of Hima Mylliem Paiem Ainam Manik Syiem.
Speaking to reporters, Chyne said, “That is why I have asked the enforcement wing to take action against these people, as they don’t have any valid documents including trading licenses.”
“We have also conducted checking on a few shops and found that they too do not have trading licenses. We will issue show cause to all of them and action to the extent of closing down their shop will be taken,” he said while announcing that regular checking against unregistered trade will be conducted from time to time.
Chyne refused to blame any particular entity for the lapses, but only urged all officials, from the Syiem of Hima Mylliem and his ministers to the members of the Council and its enforcement wing, to take the matter seriously.
“I also assure that the executive committee will take this matter very seriously and ensure the enforcement wing will do its job by fully implementing the Trading by Non-Tribal Regulation Act, where we cannot just allow people from outside to come and operate their illegal businesses in our land without getting trading licenses. Having said that, it does not mean that the EC wants that every non-tribal should get the trading license, but the objective is to reduce it to ensure the livelihood of our people is not affected,” he added.
To another query, Chyne said, “I cannot carry a gun without a license. We have to first apply for the license, then we buy a gun, or I cannot drive a taxi without a permit. So same with trade – meaning these people from outside cannot operate their businesses without getting a trading license. Therefore, it is highly illegal on their part to operate their businesses without a trading license.” Chyne added that traders proven to have violated once will not be allowed to apply for a trading license.
Chyne further stated that the same will apply to hawkers operating in Ïewduh, who the Council says is taking up prime walking space in the already-crowded market. Those non-tribals who have already procured their licenses for trading and hawking will not be subject to any forced closures of their business and trade.
RAPSANG CRITICISES AT CHYNE
In a related development, former West Shillong legislator Mohendro Rapsang questioned the presence of Chyne while conducting the check.
“According to me, the office of the Hima Mylliem and the district council staff could have been used to conduct such checking,” Rapsang said.
“There was no need [for Chyne to be present], considering the stature of the CEM and the Syiem of Hima Mylliem to conduct the checking themselves,” Rapsang said.
Stating that he has been in the Hima Mylliem for 22 years, the staff should have conducted checking four–five days earlier and then submitted a report to the offices of the District Council and the Hima Mylliem on their findings.
He said that whatever action is to be taken would have been done after assessing such a report from the staff.