Meghalaya: GHADC cracks down on illegal settlers and businesses in Garo Hills

Guwahati: Meghalaya's Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) has launched a fresh drive against illegal settlers and unauthorized businesses in the region, according to The Shillong Times.

Deputy Chief Executive Member Nikman Marak said on Thursday that the Council is closely monitoring the area to ensure that only legal residents and licensed traders operate. “We are keeping a strict watch and will not allow any illegal settlement. Everyone under our jurisdiction must be legal,” he stated.

Marak raised concerns that some people running businesses in Garo Hills lack proper identification, with a few suspected to be from Bangladesh. “Many are operating illegally, and some do not have ID cards, yet they continue their business here. This cannot be allowed,” he added.

He confirmed that several families have already been evicted. “We have identified and removed many families, around 21 in the previous operation, and the process is ongoing. Surveys and checks are being conducted with the state government’s support,” Marak said.

The latest eviction took place in Ronshai near Tikrikilla, where 15 families were removed. “They did not have address proof and had listed their village as Kokrajhar in Garo Hills, but there is no such village in West Garo Hills,” he clarified.

Marak emphasized that the GHADC will continue the crackdown until all illegal settlers are identified and removed. “The operation is ongoing,” he affirmed.