Shillong: The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) met with the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Shemborlang Rynjah, to demand stringent action against alleged illegal tax collection at KHADC check gates.

HITO chief Donbok Dkhar revealed that the forest check gates were previously leased to an individual, but the lease has been canceled, and the new executive committee will manage the gates directly. HITO has called for an immediate investigation into the malpractices, demanding legal action against perpetrators and the revocation of tenders and contracts.

During an on-site inspection, HITO members uncovered evidence of illegal payment collections from vehicles, with drivers facing threats and coercion. HITO emphasized that this incident is part of a larger pattern of abuses ignored by the government and previous councils, affecting laborers and daily wage earners.

The organization urged the authorities to take decisive action against those responsible, including owners and staff members of the check gates.