Shillong, April 1: The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) on Tuesday demanded the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) to conduct a thorough investigation and take stringent action against the alleged illegal tax collection by the council’s check gates.
In a letter to the KHADC chief S Rynjah, HITO said, “(We demand) an immediate and thorough investigation into these malpractices, legal measures to be instituted against the perpetrators and revocation of tender and contract held by the owners of the check gates found guilty of such misconduct, ensuring that they are barred from reapplying for future tenders or contracts indefinitely.”
The demand was made after the organization has received reports regarding the alleged unlawful taxation practices perpetrated by certain individuals stationed at the KHADC check gates, specifically targeting commercial vehicles transporting goods.
In pursuit of truth and justice, the HITO said that it has conducted an on-site inspection at the KHADC forest check gates in Puriang, East Khasi Hills district, where we uncovered substantial evidence corroborating these serious allegations.
“Our investigation revealed that an individual responsible for operations at the check gate was unlawfully collecting monetary contributions from vehicles traversing the highway. Disturbingly, drivers who resisted this extortion were met with threats of confiscation of their goods, creating a climate of fear and coercion,” it said in the letter adding “It has come to our attention that the owner of the check gate may have issued directives to staff, compelling them to enforce such corrupt practices.
This unscrupulous harassment extends beyond commercial vehicles, targeting labourers and daily wage earners who rely on their livelihoods by transporting essential goods, including charcoal and used construction planks. Such behaviour underscores the pervasive corruption and high-handedness exhibited by those operating at the check gate.”
Further, the HITO claimed that the statements made by its organization are grounded in factual evidence, supported by witness accounts, and should not be misconstrued as mere unsubstantiated claims. We are prepared to present the necessary evidence and testimonies to substantiate our concerns whenever required.
Regrettable, this incident is not an isolated one; it is merely the latest in a troubling pattern of abuses that have been overlooked by both the government and previous councils, resulting in ongoing suffering for the hardworking labourers and dedicated members of the community.
“Thus, we earnestly implore you to take decisive action against those responsible for these egregious offenses, whether they be the owners or the staff members of the check gates,”it added further.
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