MPUF president denies 'bemi' deal

By A Reporter

SHILLONG, Aug 1: Jowai-base businessman and Meghalaya People’s United Front (MPUF) president Dawanpoimi Laloo has rubbished allegations of bemi transactions against him in the purchase of a shop.

Addressing reporters here on Tuesday, Laloo said, “I’m the owner of D. Wanpoimi Variety Shop and not as reported that I indulged in bemi practices. I have valid documents to prove that I am the owner.”

It may be mentioned that last month his shop was inspected by members of Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) and the Jaintia Youth Federation (JYF), along with officials of the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), following allegations of bemi practices against him.

He claimed before the media that he had bought the materials of the shop from its previous owner at a cost of Rs 90,000.

Admitting that the transaction was done without proper sale deed, he said “I was in such a hurry to buy the shop that I was uble to provide the sale deed and later I rectified my mistake.”

He added “If the allegations of bemi transaction against me are true, then the shop’s previous owner would not have signed the deed.”

Asked on the appointment of two non-tribals in his shop as mager and helper even as he has been very vocal, as MPUF president, demanding employment of local youth in different factories in Jaintia hills, he said, “This is a question frequently asked by people. But there are five locals working in the shop and I had appointed the two non-tribals because at present I have no knowledge about the A, B, C of business and I have to depend on them to look after materials coming from Delhi.”

Laloo, however, said that time will tell whether he will renew their license or not in future.

The MPUF has however washed their hands on the issue by stating that the matter is an individual matter.