Jaintia Hills Trucks Owner’s Association threatens indefinite protest against cement factories

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 22, 2023

The Jaintia Hills Truck Owners’ Association (JHTOA) has threatened to stage an indefinite protest against cement factories starting on October 5. This protest is to halt the transportation of cement and clinker due to transport issues.

This decision was taken at a general meeting held at Tahkhniang Tuber on September 19, as the JHTOA observed that the cement factories did not abide by the arrangement and gave less priority to JHTOA trucks.

Biangshwa Shylla, president of JHTOA, claimed that cement factories in Lumshnong, Thangskai, and Wahiajer did not adhere to the conditions regarding the transportation of cement and clinker. He stated that the JHTOA had to take this step, alleging that the authorities of the cement factories are hindering the livelihood of local transporters.

The JHTOA recalled a previous protest against the cement factories over freight rates, which were reduced to Rs. 7 per metric tonne per kilometer from Rs. 9 per metric tonne per kilometer.

On June 19, 2023, a meeting was held to address the concerns of the Jaintia Truck Owner Association, who complained about the insufficient number of vehicles being allocated for loading by cement companies. The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills District.

It was informed during the meeting that the initially agreed-upon allocation was 60 vehicles, but now only 15 vehicles are being allocated for loading every day within the state. The meeting on June 19th decided that discussions regarding tonnage movement due to the increase in vehicle size should be conducted privately between the JHTOA and Jaintia Hills Cement Manufacturing Association.

Members of the Jaintia Hills Truck Owner Association agreed with the claim of low demand for cement during the monsoon season, as well as the shutdown of factories for maintenance. Therefore, they requested a minimum of 40 vehicles every day within Meghalaya, to which cement companies agreed.