HNYF takes up issue with Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council

Trading licences of non-tribals

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: The Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF), Shillong region on Wednesday said that the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) admitted that it is bound to issue trading licences to non-tribals if the Rangbah Shnongs (traditional heads) of the localities issue no-objection certificates (NoC).

According to the HNYF, these words were uttered by none other than the Executive Member (EM) in-charge Trade, Neil Antonio War when the pressure group met him on Tuesday. “When we went to meet him, he said the District Council only gives its recommendations following the NOC given by the Dorbar Shnong,” general secretary of the HNYF Shillong region, Faster Kharmujai said. Kharmujai pointed out that according to the United Khasi-Jaintia Hills District (Trading by Non-Tribals) Regulation, 1954, it is clearly stated in Para 3 A that the District Council should not issue trading licenses to any non-tribal if there is any tribal who carries on the same trade or is willing to carry on such trade against which the application of license is made.

The members of the HNYF, Shillong region said that War pointed out to Article 19(1)(g) in the Constitution Of India which allows all citizens to practise any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business. Stating that they don’t have the exact statistic of trade being carried out by non-tribals without NOC from the Council, the members, however, claimed that they were aware that non-tribals especially in areas like Rynjah and Demsieniong localities of the city are running their businesses illegally without trading licence from the District Council.