Three KHNAM candidates file nominations; Passah slams misuse of trading by non-tribal regulation

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 29, 2025

Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has came down heavily on the past executive committees (ECs) led by the different political parties in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) for allegedly using the Trading by Non-Tribal Regulation, 1954 as a “counter to generate revenue” instead of protecting the trade and commerce of the tribal people of the region.

This was stated by the KHNAM working president Thomas Passah while accompanying the three candidates of the party – Pynshai Mawrie from Mawkynrew, Ericton Swer from Nongthymmai and Raymond Basaiawmoit from Mawkhar-Pynthorumkhrah – during the third day of filing of nomination papers for the upcoming ADC polls at ISBT, Mawiong here on Wednesday.

Speaking to media persons, Passah said, “The objective of the Trading by Non-Tribal Regulation, 1954 is to protect the trade and commerce of the tribal people but sadly in the past 73 years, the political parties, which have come to power in the KHADC has not used it as a protection but rather they have used it as a counter to generate revenue (by issuing rampant trading license to people from outside the state).”

“Therefore, if we are voted to the district council, we assure the people of the region to bring necessary changes for making the Trading by Non-Tribal Regulation, 1954 more effective to protect the livelihood of the tribal people by reducing or restricting the issuing of trading license to non-indigenous people,” he assured.

Passah also mentioned that the Trading by Non-Tribal Regulation, 1954 only existed in the district council because the state government till now does not have a law to protect the trade and commerce of the tribal people in the state.

“However, the Trading by Non-Tribal Regulation, 1954 is still weak in its present form. Therefore, we are determined to bring changes by giving it more teeth to make it more effective for protecting the rights and interest of our indigenous people in terms of economic growth,” he asserted.

Asked, the KHNAM working president said his party would also ensure complete overhauling and revamping of the KHADC.

“Seventy-three years have passed and several anomalies are being witnessed in the functioning of the district council. The KHADC has totally failed in its duty as empowered by the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India. The Sixth Schedule is a protection wall for the indigenous people. If this protection wall collapses, no doubt danger awaits the entire indigenous community,” he warned.

“Therefore, our main objective of contesting this election is to ensure complete overhauling and revamping of the KHADC. We want a new KHADC that can really protect the land as per provisions of the Sixth Schedule, to protect trade and commerce as per the Regulation, 1954 and to protect and empower the traditional institutions,” Passah assured while claiming that if the KHNAM is voted to the KHADC, there is hope for the indigenous community.

According to him, the party has based its selection of candidates on quality and not quantity and to ensure a team is formed to achieve the goal to provide full protection to the people.

After filing nomination papers, Mawrie said that he would work towards achieving the goals of the party.

Swer on the other hand said, “We are firm in our stand to protect the indigenous people. The party will come up with its manifesto in the coming days.”

Basaiawmoit said that his objective of contesting the election is to further strengthen the Sixth Schedule in the KHADC. He also expressed confidence to win from Mawkhar-Pynthorumkhrah and said, “I have worked hard and it is up to the people to decide.”