Raphael Warjri

In West Jaintia Hills, the Khasi Students’ Union has taken a bold step to address illegal settlement and trade activities in the region. 

The West Jaintia Hills District Unit of the Khasi Students' Union, led by President Laitphar Syngkrem, Vice President Chanbor War, and Assistant General Secretary Balawantei Suchiang, conducted a surprise inspection in the Iawmusiang market area of Jowai.

The raid targeted illegal settlers and unauthorized shops reportedly run by non-locals. During the inspection, several shops were found to be operating without valid documents. Most of the shopkeepers failed to produce even a basic identity proof like an EPIC card. Only a few had a No Objection Certificate issued by the local village council.

In anticipation of the raid, some shops had already shut down earlier that day. The KSU had deployed five separate teams to carry out the operation simultaneously.

What’s more concerning, according to the Union, was the involvement of a known leader of another pressure group who allegedly attempted to claim ownership of these unverified establishments—despite the lack of any proof regarding the Indian nationality of the workers.

Following the raid, the KSU ordered the immediate closure of all such unauthorized businesses and reiterated its demand for strict enforcement of legal protocols to prevent illegal trade activities in the district.

The KSU has made it clear that unauthorized businesses will not be tolerated. The students organisation  has urged upon authorities to take stricter action and ensure all settlers and traders are properly verified.