Today, the Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU), Central Body, held a meeting with the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) to discuss pressing concerns affecting the indigenous tribal population of the region. The delegation strongly raised the following four matters for immediate attention and action:
1.Immediate Halt to the Issuance of New Licenses to Non-Tribals for jobs meant for Local Tribals
2.Denial of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for North East Frontier Railway or any Organizations or Factories that Could Affect Tribal Demographics.
- Misuse of Tribal Names by Non-Tribal-Run Establishments
4.Strict Enforcement Against Benami Transactions under the Benami Transaction (Prohibition) Act, 1998.
The JSU further emphasized the unchecked issuance of trading licenses to non-tribals, many of whom operate without valid permits. This practice, according to the Union, is directly impacting employment opportunities for the local tribal population from the smallest forms of work to larger businesses, non-tribals are dominating the job market.
The JSU warned that if the JHADC fails to address these issues with urgency and seriousness, the Union will take it upon itself to handle these matters independently in the interest of protecting tribal rights and identity.