District Magistrate Orders for Illegal Checkpoints in East Khasi Hills

The East Khasi Hills District Magistrate, RM Kurbah, has ordered the immediate closure of two illegal checkpoints set up by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) at Mawkhanu, Meghalaya.

The checkpoints, meant to monitor trucks under the Trading by Non-Tribals Regulation, 1954, were established without proper authorization. Kurbah’s directive, issued on February 4, emphasized the state’s “Zero Tolerance” policy against unauthorized toll collections or checkpoints on highways and major roads.

The order, based on a January 29 letter from the District Council Affairs (DCA) department, highlighted that such checkpoints require prior approval from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the state government.

This action was prompted by a complaint from VPP MLA Heavingstone Kharpran, who observed unauthorized signboards at Mawkhanu. Violators have been warned of strict legal consequences. The order remains in effect until further notice.