Shillong, May 28: The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has asked the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) to stop illegal collection of tax by its forest check gates and private vehicles.
The demand by KHNAM is after replies to RTI queries have indicated that 25 check gates have been set up by the forest department of the KHADC during 2025-26.
While 16 are in Ri Bhoi District, there are 4 in East Khasi Hills District, 3 in West Khasi Hills and 1 each in Eastern West Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills.
The objective of these check gates is to collect tax from forest produce.
The RTI reply revealed that 8 check gates have collected zero revenue for the Council as on April this year besides the setting up of patrolling stations.
“We are shocked to know that there are over 25 forest check gates, of which 16 are located in Ri Bhoi District alone. Though the objective of the forest check gate is to collect tax from forest produce, it is unfortunate to learn that the same forest check gates are collecting tax from essential commodities, agricultural produces and factory products,” KHNAM working president Thomas Passah said in a letter to the KHADC CEM S Rynjah.
“If these 16 check gates are collecting tax from agricultural produces no doubt it will lead to price rise of essential commodities affecting the people of the region. We therefore demand the KHADC to ensure there is no illegal collection by these check gates,” he said.
Questioning the council’s decision to set up the patrolling stations, Passah said the party was informed that people coming in private vehicles are indulging in illegal collection from vehicles especially during night hours in the name of these patrolling stations.
“This is totally illegal. If the KHADC feels the need to set up patrolling stations, it should provide council’s official vehicles,” he said.
