By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 16: The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has petitioned the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) to cancel 44 trading licences issued to non-tribals operating in partnership with indigenous tribals, alleging the arrangements amount to benami transactions.
In a representation submitted to the KHADC Chief Executive Member on Friday, KHNAM working president Thomas A Passah said information obtained through RTI revealed that none of the 44 entities had submitted registration certificates establishing them as legally recognised partnership firms.
Passah alleged that the firms relied solely on affidavits of undertaking rather than formal partnership registrations. He added that the indigenous partners held negligible profit shares, suggesting local names were being used merely to secure trading permits.
Citing a statement made by the CEM in a council session seven months ago regarding a licence granted to Bawri to run a parking lot in partnership with a local tribal, Passah questioned the legality of such joint operations.
KHNAM argued that these practices violate the Meghalaya (Benami Transactions Prohibition) Act, 1985, and demanded immediate corrective action. Passah warned that the organisation would approach higher authorities if the council failed to intervene.
The KHADC was not immediately available for comment on the allegations.