The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has objected to the Ri-Bhoi district administration’s decision to shut down its toll gate at Umdihar without any prior notice or consultation. Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong made it clear on Tuesday that there is no way out, and illegal toll gates have to be shut down. Earlier, the KHADC’s Executive Member in charge of Development, Powell Sohkhlet, told reporters that the district administration should have first sought clarification from the Council before proceeding with the closure.
“This action is not only arbitrary but also disrespectful to the Council, which is an autonomous body recognised under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India,” he said. “We are not NGOs or pressure groups collecting money illegally. Our toll gate is set up in accordance with constitutional provisions,” he said.
Sohkhlet questioned the administration’s silence during the tenure of the previous Executive Committee (EC) and its aggressive move after the Voice of the People Party-led EC assumed office. “We are strictly adhering to the legal provisions. What action has the administration taken against those who are illegally collecting money from trucks transporting chicken?” he asked.