March 6, 2025: The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has submitted a four-point memorandum to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Chief Executive Member (CEM) Shemborlang Rynjah, urging for the implementation of provisions under the KHAD (Trading By Non-Tribals) Regulation, 1954.

HYC president Roy Kupar Synrem stressed that trading licenses should only be issued to genuine non-tribals who are permanent residents of the state.

The memorandum also called for the importance of formulating rules for implementing the regulation and ensuring that future appointments in the council are made in accordance with the Service Rules of 1961.

Synrem expressed concerns over irregularities in council appointments, citing the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report of 2019.

Furthermore, the HYC president urged the council to take measures to protect and preserve forest areas and water bodies within its jurisdiction. He suggested declaring certain forest areas as "Law Adong" (protected forests) and replenishing critically conditioned water bodies, such as the Umkhrah and Umshyrpi rivers.

Synrem also called for stringent action against locals involved in Benami transactions, which facilitate illegal businesses by non-tribal traders.

The HYC president felicitated the new KHADC CEM during their meeting, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to address these pressing issues.