NEPMZ halts fuel supplies to Meghalaya over safety concerns

Guwahati, August 22: The North-East Petroleum Mazdoor Union (NEPMZ) has suspended the transportation of petrol, diesel and LPG from Assam to Meghalaya, citing safety concerns for Assam-registered vehicles operating in the neighbouring state amid the prevailing unrest.

The union said the stoppage would continue until the Meghalaya government takes effective measures to ensure the safety of Assam-registered vehicles, including tourist vehicles.

NEPMZ general secretary Ramen Deka said the union had also suspended loading and unloading operations in Meghalaya following reports of violence and unrest in several parts of the state.

“Since petroleum products are highly flammable, this decision has been taken to ensure the safety of both vehicles and goods,” Deka said.

He said NEPMZ members were unwilling to transport petroleum products to Meghalaya as long as they remained concerned about their safety.

“Unless the situation improves, our members are not willing to transport any kind of petroleum products to Meghalaya. It is not possible to supply essential goods under constant fear and intimidation,” Deka said.

The union urged the Meghalaya government to restore normalcy and take stringent action against those responsible for violence and harassment of vehicles and their occupants.

The disruption has also affected commercial cab movement between Assam and Meghalaya, with restrictions reportedly being imposed on the entry of commercially registered vehicles from the neighbouring state.

The latest development threatens to disrupt the movement of essential petroleum products to Meghalaya if the impasse continues.

Meanwhile, security has been stepped up in Shillong, with police and security forces maintaining a heightened presence at sensitive locations as authorities work to contain the situation and restore normalcy.