SHILLONG: Leader of the Opposition in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Titosstarwell Chyne, has defended the recent action taken by the council’s Enforcement Wing against the Shillong Peak Ropeway Project office in Madan Laban, stating that district council laws hold ground in these areas.
Addressing the police FIR filed by the state government against KHADC enforcement officers for locking the project office, Chyne clarified that existing laws and regulations explicitly mandate that any non-tribal individual, private entity, or company attempting to conduct business within the jurisdiction must first obtain a valid trading license.
Expressing concern over the delay by the Executive Committee in taking a proactive stance on the matter, Chyne noted that clarity is still awaited on whether the disputed land belongs to the government or the private company involved.
He stated that if the property strictly belongs to the government, the Autonomous District Council lacks the jurisdiction to intervene or lock it down.
However, if the land is held by a company, the Executive Committee must firmly establish its legal grounds for sealing the premises.
Chyne further emphasized that government lands do exist within the territorial limits of the Sixth Schedule.
He asserted that the presence of government property does not exempt the region from Sixth Schedule provisions.
According to him, outside of specific exclusions like the European Ward where Sixth Schedule provisions do not apply, the administrative and regulatory authority over land essentially remains under the purview of the District Council.
Meanwhile, revealing the political developments surrounding the controversy, Chyne mentioned that his party has entrusted the UDP Shillong City unit to deliberate on the issue.
The party is expected to announce its official stand and future course of action shortly.
(4FrontMedia news)
