Body demands resolution of influx problem at Bara Bazar
A REPORTER
SHILLONG, Feb 4: The Nong Iew Association (NIA) has demanded the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and the Hima Mylliem to sort out the problem of influx at Bara Bazaar (Iewduh) area here.
Iewduh, one of the biggest markets in the city, is the hub of trade and commerce which comes under the direct magement of Hima Mylliem.
The KHADC EM in-charge Labour Banteidor Lyngdoh, Hadrian Lyngdoh EM in-charge Market and Myntri of Hima Mylliem and Myntri in-charge Fince M. B Kharlukhi in a joint meeting with the members of the association today have assured that soon a joint spot inspection will be conducted at Iewduh.
Korbar L Nonglait, president of the association, while speaking to reporters said mushrooming of immigrant settlers in the area is a cause of concern.
These people do not have valid documents, he said.
The association also alleged that Hima Mylliem has turned a blind eye to the issue which has complicated the problem.
Some of the notable demands made by the association during the joint meeting at KHADC are the growing residential inside the market, illegal setting up of business by non-tribals without the permission of the District Council or Hima Mylliem, increasing number of Nepali porter and use of child labour in some of the shops inside the market.
“During the meeting they have assured us to take the matter seriously and discuss it further with the Executive Committee of KHADC and to hold a joint spot inspection in the market in the next week,” he said.
He said that though earlier the association had apprised the Hima of Mylliem about this so far they have remained silent on the issue.
“We had approached the Hima on the various issues faced by the local traders in the market but till today nothing has been done and that is why we have sought the intervention of the District Council.”
Stating that Iewduh is considered as a scared market since the time immemorial, he said now the market has become very dirty and the numbers of residential inside the market has multiplied in the past 15 years.
However the Myntri of Hima Mylliem had denied having any knowledge on the issues pertaining to the market, despite the claims made by NIA that they had earlier submitted memorandum on the current plight of the market to the Hima in 2012.
Myntri in-charge Market S. Lyngdoh Nongsap said, “We have not received any letter or complaint from anyone.”
He said the rules of the Hima Mylliem does not allow residential inside the market and if anyone is found going against the rules of the Hima strong and immediate action will be taken.
Myntri in-charge Fince M B Kharlukhi said the matter will be taken up on February 11, during the Executive Dorbar of Hima Mylliem.
Meanwhile, Hadrian Lyngdoh EM KHADC in-charge Market said that he will first appraise the matter to the CEM KHADC PN Syiem and then only they will be able to conduct the spot inspection of the market.
Admitting that the condition of the market is unhygienic, he said the District Council has directed the Hima to appoint more cleaners and sweepers to keep the market clean.