Meghalaya’s Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) has lodged a formal complaint with the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), asserting a surge in illicit trading practices involving non-tribal individuals. The central issue revolves around the unregulated export and import of limestone to Bangladesh, a commerce the group maintains is exclusively within the KHADC’s purview.
In a communication delivered to the KHADC, HITO, working alongside the Sohra Circle, detailed the mounting participation of both Khasi and non-tribal traders in the limestone trade. The organization contends that non-tribal entities are operating without the mandatory trade licenses, thus contravening established local ordinances.
HITO has pressed the KHADC for swift intervention against non-tribal exporters conducting business without proper authorization. They demand that the council enforce license acquisition for all traders, particularly those from non-tribal backgrounds, in accordance with KHADC regulations.
The pressure group has further petitioned the KHADC to initiate inspections of trucks transporting limestone across the Bangladesh border, ensuring strict adherence to licensing requirements.
Moreover, HITO has proposed a moratorium on issuing fresh trade licenses to non-tribal individuals, advocating that local Khasi youth possess the capacity to manage these commercial activities and should be afforded the relevant opportunities. “We advocate for the cessation of any new trading licenses being issued to non-tribal individuals, particularly if our local Khasi youth are fully capable of handling these trading activities.”
HITO has expressed confidence that the KHADC will give precedence to this matter, safeguarding the customary rights of local communities and preventing the exploitation of indigenous resources by non-tribal traders.
The situation has generated apprehension within the community, with local leaders emphasizing the critical need to preserve the rights and economic prospects of the Khasi people within their own territory.