Shillong Jan 10: Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Executive Mmember in charge trade, Latiplang Kharkongor on Thursday warned of closing down all illegal business establishments operating without trading license under its jurisdiction.

Kharkongor told reporters that he would immediately convene a meeting with officials of the enforcement wing next week to discuss with them the need to intensify checking to detect those who violated the Trading by Non-Tribal Regulations.

“Business establishments found to be running without obtaining the trading license will be closed down,” he earned.

Checking will also be conducted on hawkers and vendors.

The Nongthymmai MDC said action in the form of seizing the trading license will also be taken against those who have failed to renew the same for more than five years and that they will have to apply afresh.

Kharkongor further stated that he is also contemplating to review a notification which was earlier denotified by the previous executive committee that issuing of the no-objection certificate (NOC) cannot be decided by the headman alone.

The executive member informed that fresh survey will be conducted to curtail down the granting of trading license in places having large number of non-tribal traders to address unemployment problem faced by the indigenous people especially the youth.

“The Council will also work together with office of the Syiem of Hima Mylliem in order to keep a check on illegal businesses at Ïewduh,” he said while assuring that he would try his best to streamline the department despite limited time he has in view of the upcoming elections slated for February 27.

Kharkongor was also given charge to look after the Elaka department by the KHADC chief HS Shylla who had effected minor reshuffle of portfolios.