Shillong, Nov 28: Following alleged harassment by Meghalaya Police against oil tanker drivers along the National Highway in Ri-Bhoi district, the North East Petroleum Mazdoor Union (NEPMU) has decided to halt the supply of IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL petroleum products to Meghalaya starting from November 29, 2023 (Wednesday).
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Food, Civil Supply, and Consumer Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, the NE Petroleum Mazdoor Union expressed concerns over the mistreatment of oil tanker drivers and helpers by Meghalaya Police personnel in Ri Bhoi district (commencing from 18th Mile) since November 24, under the pretext of malpractices.
General Secretary Ramen Das highlighted the situation, mentioning, “Since November 24, 2023, Meghalaya Police have been torturing our members, the Oil Tanker Drivers and helpers in the Ri-Bhoi District area starting from 18th Mile. They forcibly detained some Tankers that were stranded outside a Dhaba for food at 22 Mile and filed cases against them without valid reasons. The following day, Police personnel detained loaded Tankers without proper justification, causing distress to innocent Tanker Crews. Due to this situation, Tanker Drivers are afraid to transport Petroleum products into Meghalaya.”
Das, in the letter, emphasized that if any worker is caught red-handed, authorities can take action as per the law. NEPMU is willing to cooperate with the authorities without compromise. However, Das stressed that innocent individuals should not be harassed in the name of malpractices.
The letter further read, “We have received reports from reliable sources that if any T/T Driver denies the allegations, concerned Police personnel physically torture the Driver and forcefully obtain statements and photographs. These T/T Crews provide their services, often risking their lives for the people of Meghalaya. They have also decided not to transport any Meghalaya Petroleum products from IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL from November 29, 2023, until the issue is resolved.”
