Meghalaya: Transporters temporarily withdraw the strike

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 20, 2020

In what could be termed as a gesture of good will in response to the invitation of talks for resolving their legitimate demand, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of transporters has decided to temporarily suspend their indefinite strike with immediate effect thereby paving way for transportation of clinkers and cements, which was stopped since 15 of June, last.

The Commissioner & Secretary Transport Department, Meghalaya sent a letter to the President of the Jaintia Hills Truck Owners’ and Driver Association (JHTOA), the president of  Meghalaya Truckers’ Union (MTU) and the president of All Jaintia Cement and Clinker Transports Association (AJCCTA), the President Jaintia Hills Cement Manufacturing Association invited them for talks under the chairmanship of Chief Minister, Meghalaya on 25th of this month to discuss on new rate of transportation as per notification issued on 13th January this year.

The JAC went for indefinite strike over non implementation of new rate of transportation by cement companies, temporary suspend their agitation on Saturday.

JAC hold an emergency meeting at Phramer after receiving a letter from Deputy Commissioner, East Jaiñtia Hills District who have requested them to withdraw their agitation and resume transportation as usual as Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Minister incharge Transportation, Commerce and Industries have taken steps to convene the meeting to discuss the issue pertaining to implementation of the revise transport fare for the truckers.

JHTOA president Nidamon Chulet said, that JAC have received the same letter from Commissioner & Secretary Transports Department that the Chief Minister had convene a meeting on June 25 to discuss the revise transportation rate which was announced on January 13.

The Government of Meghalaya on January 13, last announced that new rate of transportation for heavy and medium goods vehicles is Rs.9/- per MT per KM for Black Topped road, in gravelled road Rs.10/- per MT per KM and Rs.12/- per MT per KM for Kutcha Road.

However, the cement companies in East Jaintia Hills fail to implement the new rate of transportation and the JAC called on indefinite strike.

Transport Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar has directed the deputy commissioner of East Jaintia Hills to hold a meeting with the truck owners and cement companies to resolve the confusion pertaining to the revised fare for goods carriage trucks but the meeting was unfruitful on June 18.

President of the Jaintia Hills Truck Owners’ Association (JHTOA) Nidamon Chulet said five days after the JAC go on indefinite strike withdrew the agitation temporarily on Saturday following a written state government assurance to discuss the matter on June 25.

“If the Government cannot settle the matter, we will resort to agitation,” said Nidamon Chulet.