Shillong, August 5: The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) on Wednesday criticised Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Chief Executive Member (CEM) W.T. Lyngdoh for failing to meet its delegation over the issue of alleged illegal toll gates, despite having publicly expressed willingness to discuss the matter with concerned citizens.
A KHNAM delegation led by Working President Thomas Passah visited the CEM’s office seeking clarification on the legality of several toll gates operating within the Council’s jurisdiction. The visit came after the CEM had publicly stated that he was open to meeting anyone wishing to raise concerns on the issue.
However, upon arriving at the office, the delegation was informed that the CEM was unavailable due to another official engagement. His Personal Assistant (PA) met the delegation instead and informed them that a fresh appointment had been scheduled for Monday.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Passah expressed disappointment, saying the party had simply responded to the CEM’s own public invitation for dialogue.
“If the CEM publicly invites people for discussions, he should also be prepared to receive them instead of cancelling the meeting at the last moment,” Passah said.
He clarified that KHNAM’s visit was not intended to create a political confrontation but to seek clarity on the legal status of toll gates that continue to collect money from the public within KHADC’s jurisdiction.
The party demanded that the Council place all documents related to the toll gates in the public domain, including legal authorisations for their establishment, tender agreements with operators, revenue collection records, details of fund utilisation, and the statutory provisions under which the toll gates are permitted to function.
Passah said that if the toll gates are operating lawfully, the Council should have no hesitation in making the relevant records public. However, if they lack a legal basis, he urged KHADC to immediately shut them down and initiate action against those responsible.
He stressed that KHNAM is not opposed to toll collection where it is authorised under the law but strongly objects to any collection of money from the public without a clear legal mandate.
Emphasising the need for transparency and accountability, Passah said all public revenue must be collected strictly in accordance with the law and be properly accounted for.
The KHNAM delegation is expected to meet the CEM on Monday as rescheduled and has urged the Council to produce all relevant documents concerning the establishment and operation of toll gates within KHADC’s jurisdiction.
Passah added that the party’s campaign is aimed at protecting public interest, promoting transparency in governance, and ensuring that no illegal collection of money is imposed on citizens.
