Shillong, Jan 28: KHNAM candidate from Sohryngkham Joseph Pyngrope on Tuesday assured that his party will take steps to strengthen the Trading by Non-Tribal Regulation 1954 to address the issue of influx through trade and commerce within a period of six months to one year, if it is elected to power in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).

Speaking to reporters after filing his nomination papers for the upcoming ADC elections, Pyngrope, said, “If people give us a chance (to win), I assure them that within a period of six months to one year, we will take steps to strengthen the Trading by Non-Trading Regulation 1954 because influx through trade and commerce is the real culprit against economic growth of the tribal people.”

“The trade and commerce of the tribal people are being snatched away by people from outside. You will see that the majority of the Khasi traders are sitting on the footpaths while non-tribal traders are occupying the big shops. If the KHADC has the power to protect through the Trading by Non-Tribal Regulation Act, then it should ensure no license is given in trades where tribal people engage,” he asserted.

He added, “Unfortunate, we have witnessed the increase in the number of non-tribal traders in Iewduh. The question is who has given them a trading license? Therefore, the KHNAM is of the opinion that the need of the hour is to address the issue of influx through trade and commerce to stop people from outside from capturing businesses, which tribal people are doing.”

Further, Pyngrope emphasized the importance of supplementing the already existing laws with new legislation for protection of the interest and welfare of the indigenous people.

Asked, the Sohryngkham candidate said that the party would leave it to the wisdom of the people to decide on the candidates, who are contesting the upcoming elections.

“The KHNAM has contributed a lot to the society. Therefore, it is a movement not a political party. If we win or lose an election it doesn’t matter because we will continue to serve the people of the state,” he added.

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