Shillong, May 12: The FKJGP Sohra Circle has sought the intervention of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) to put a stop to trade and business activities by non-tribal persons in Majai, an export point falling under the jurisdiction of Hima Sohra.

In a memorandum submitted to KHADC Chief Executive Member, Winston Tony Lyngdoh today, the FKJGP expressed concern over the increase in the number of non-tribal businessmen operating in Majai which has threatened the interest of local people.

In the memorandum signed by FKJGP Sohra Circle president Carlos Kharmih and general secretary Ebenezer Kharmalki, it was mentioned that local entrepreneurs were now able to run all types of business and trades and as such new trading license or renewed licenses should be cancelled in line with the provisions of the Trading By Non-Tribal Regulation Act, 1959.

The organisation also demanded cancellation of all trading licences issued to non-tribal persons for limestone export and transportation of limestone to Bangladesh. It also said that only local traders should be allowed to carry out export and transportation business in the area.

The FKJGP also demanded cancellation of trading license to passenger vehicles owned by non-tribal persons operating from Majai to Ichamati and Shillong.

It also stated than an office of the KHADC was set up many years ago at Majai to conduct checking of trading license of vehicles owned by non-tribal people “but the office failed to carry out its duty as expected. The organisation urged the CEM to instruct the employees at the office to be stringent and enforce the law relating to trading by non-tribal people.

While demanding measures to deal with Benami transactions in Majai and adjoining areas, the FKJGP Sohra Circle also urged the KHADC to change the name of villages having non-local names in order to ensure tribal identity. It also demanded that headmen of such villages should only be from the Khasi community.