Raphael Warjri

On May 30, 2025, members of the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) reportedly carried out an inspection drive under their ongoing 'Sier Lapalang Operations', during which they shut down several shops owned by non-tribal individuals along Keating Road in Shillong. The action followed information received by the organization that many of these shops were operating without valid documentation.

An HYC leader informed the media that numerous shops in the area lacked proper trading licenses. He pointed out that some shopkeepers were only in possession of acknowledgement slips, which he clarified do not serve as valid registered certificates required for conducting business legally in the state.

The leader further stated that even shops whose owners were still in the process of renewing their expired trading licenses were closed during the inspection. He urged all shop owners to take the necessary steps to ensure their documents are complete and up to date, emphasizing that compliance with legal norms is essential for running businesses in the state.