SHILLONG, AUG 23: Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Transport Sniawbhalang Dhar on Sunday said tourist taxi associations of Meghalaya have agreed to resume movement to Assam till September 10, after an emergent meeting to address their grievances.
The meeting was convened after the associations insisted they would no longer enter Assam and decided to disallow Assam tourist vehicles into the state, following alleged harassment in Assam in the wake of the August 19 violence in Shillong.
Chairing the meeting, Dhar said, “After threadbare discussion, we concluded that it was a very fruitful meeting. The associations have flagged some important issues they have faced for the last few months and years regarding problems they encounter as soon as they enter Assam. We listened to their problems and their concerns are very genuine.”
He announced that a joint meeting will be convened by September 10 to resolve the issues.
“We have decided that by September 10, I will convene a meeting at my level with the Commissioners of Transport of Assam and Meghalaya, in presence of members of all tourist taxi associations of both states, and we will try to resolve all problems faced by drivers during their movement to Guwahati and other parts of Assam,” Dhar said.
Stating that both states have reached an understanding to restore peace, he said, “There has been some unrest in these past few days especially after the incident on August 19. Yesterday we went to Assam and more or less we have come to an understanding that peace should be restored. There were many disturbances and harassment in Assam but we are not against anyone. We want the government to take it seriously.”
On the blockade, Dhar said, “We have mutually agreed that we will continue to ply as usual from today till September 10. We will discuss with the Assam side and hope to get a positive response from both states.”
He added, “From this moment, we will move freely as before. After September 10, we will again take a call.”
On whether Assam has withdrawn restrictions, Dhar said, “The feedback from the Assam side is that they have already withdrawn.”
Regarding compensation for vehicles damaged during the August 19 violence, he said, “The government will take care as per law. We have sought details on the number of damaged vehicles from both Assam and Meghalaya sides.”
Dhar thanked members of the tourist associations and officials, saying the meeting was positive and fruitful.
Speaking after the meeting, AKMTTA president Ricaldinus Dohling said, “The government has sought 10 days’ time from us. It has been assured that by September 10, it will call leaders of tourist taxi associations from Assam and officers in-charge of transport from Assam so that we can sit and discuss our demands.”
He said the association had demanded that Meghalaya tourist taxis will no longer operate to Assam and that Assam vehicles should terminate at Jorabat.
“Regarding that, after September 10, we will have talks with the government. From our side, we cannot yet say what the decision will be, whether the government satisfies us or not by September 10. We will make a decision after the meeting,” Dohling said.
Asked if the blockade against Assam tourist vehicles has been withdrawn, he said, “For now, we will release it temporarily. We will brief our fellow drivers at Damsite about today’s decision to give the government 10 days’ time and we hope to get a positive outcome.”
“Till September 10, vehicles from Assam and Meghalaya can ply as usual,” he added.
