MTC wants security cover

SHILLONG, JUNE 6: After an MTC passenger bus was set ablaze by GNLA militants at Nengsawakse near Bajengdoba in North Garo hills district after forcing the passengers to leave the bus on Wednesday, the MTC managing director SN Marak has asked for security covers from the government for all the corporation buses that plys in Garo hills and those coming to Shillong and going out of Shillong to Garo hills.

Heavily armed militants numbering around five forcefully
stopped the MTC Shillong-bound bus (Ml-03 0197) at Nengsawakse near Bajengdoba in North Garo hills district and set it ablaze after directing the passengers including driver off the vehicle.

In a letter written to the Meghalaya government transport secretary on Thursday, Marak  said,“We request that security be provided to the Shillong, Tura and Williamnagar MTC Bus depots and also to consider security arrangement for the buses plying in Garo hills as well as those which are plying from Shillong to Garo hills.”

A meeting was also convened by the MTC  chairman Hopeful Bamon  on Thursday with the officials of the corporation wherein the act of burning down the bus was condemned.

According to the report submitted by the MTC to the government, it stated that the militants have said that the reason behind burning down the bus is to show that they are against the government.

Condemning the incident, t Bamon said, “The property of the government is also public property as the sole intention of having these buses is for public interest and destroying government property is equal to harassing the public who are the main beneficiaries. “

Bamon, however, said the incident will not deter the government from its responsibility of ensuring conveniences to the public. He said, “We will continue to provide the transport services to the people.”

Informing that at present only the night buses are being provided police escort, Bamon said, “The government would also provide security to buses plying during day time starting from tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, the MTC has also filed an FIR at Bajendoba police station on Wednesday incident. – By Our Reporter