NGOs, traditional chiefs oppose re-opening of export activities with Bangladesh

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 22, 2020

NGOs and traditional chiefs in West Jaintia Hills district have demanded the state government to put on hold its decision to allow resumption of export activities with Bangladesh in view of the situation due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The decision was taken at a meeting convened by the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF) Southern Riwar Circle and Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) War Jaintia Hills at a community hall in Dawki, located along the international border.

The meeting was attended by Doloi of Nongtalang elaka, Daloi of Darrang elaka and headmen of different villages.

“We have decided to demand the state government to keep in abeyance its decision to allow reopening of export activities at Tamabil-Dawki due to the present COVID-19 pandemic and till such time that proper protocols are put in place,” HNYF-SRC president Tarson Lymba said.

Lamba said that the meeting has also questioned the decision of the government without conducting any inspection to know whether it is feasible to reopen such international trade activities.

Speaking during the meeting, the Doloi of Nongtalang informed that the meeting convened by the elaka along with the exporters who are operating under its jurisdiction have unanimously decided to put on hold export activities to Bangladesh through the Dawki land custom station.

According to him, the government is yet to come up with proper protocols to restart the border trade.

KSU-War Jaintia Circle president Laitphar Syngkrem said that the union would continue to oppose the decision of the government while taking into consideration the need to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the region.