Raphael Warjri

The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO), under the leadership of its Central Executive Committee General Secretary Wanbun N. Dkhar and East Jaintia Hills President Deibormi Rymbai, reportedly carried out an inspection of a weighbridge situated in Sonapur, East Jaintia Hills, on May 20, 2025. The weighbridge, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department of the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), had been non-functional since it was shut down in 2014 and was found to have resumed operations approximately six months ago.

HITO stated that despite the facility being operational, no official staff from JHADC were present at the site. Instead, the bridge was allegedly being managed by private individuals. The organisation expressed concern over the fact that vehicles, particularly trucks carrying minerals such as limestone, were not being weighed but were still being charged fees ranging from ₹200 to ₹500 without any valid receipts being issued.

According to HITO, several truck drivers confirmed that they were not directed to pass over the weighbridge but were instead asked to pay the amount directly. The organisation has raised suspicions of irregularities and urged the concerned authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.