SHILLONG:
The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) chief Pyniaid Sing Syiem on December 21 said there was nothing embarrassing for him and the executive members (EMs) in carrying out inspections against illegal trade under the council’s jurisdiction.
He was replying to a motion moved by the Opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) against the manner in which the executive committee is functioning.
UDP MDC Jambor War has questioned the need for the CEM and EMs to conduct the checking against illegal trading since the council already has the enforcement wing to act as per direction of the executive committee (EC).
Defending the EC’s action to prevent illegal trade, Syiem said, “We have conducted the checking not to embarrass ourselves but we are just trying to shoulder the responsibility. In fact, I would urge the new EC should also conduct similar inspection to know what is really happening on the ground as there are areas where you do not have tribals doing business. The EC’s action has in fact motivated the officials to work harder to keep a check on illegal trade.”
He said the enforcement wing is facing a huge shortage of manpower. Only 70 enforcement personnel are looking after the five districts under the council’s jurisdiction.
In regard to the issue of traders filing a petition before the court, Syiem said the council was yet to decide on whether to issue trading licenses to exporters in the Majai area.
“They (petitioners) have met me and wanted to resolve the issue. This is because we have gone as per the regulation (Trading by Non-Tribal Regulation),” he said.
“We are governed by the regulation which clearly states that if there are any tribal who can carry out the trade, we can cancel the license given to the non-tribal. That is why we have asked the Hima to give a report on how many exporters and importers there are at Majai. I also urge the local MDC to help us get the information on how many tribals are exporters so that we can take decisions on the matter,” the CEM added.