SHILLONG, AUG 23: Tourist taxi associations in Meghalaya have temporarily deferred their decision to stop plying to Assam and bar Assam vehicles, till September 10.
The decision was taken at an emergent meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Transport Sniawbhalang Dhar on Sunday.
The associations had taken the call after alleged harassment of Meghalaya drivers in Assam following the August 19 violence in Shillong.
Dhar said the associations flagged genuine, long-pending issues faced inside Assam.
“It was a very fruitful meeting after a threadbare discussion. We have decided that by September 10, I will convene a meeting with Commissioners of Transport of Assam and Meghalaya in presence of tourist taxi associations of both states to resolve problems faced during movement to Guwahati and other parts of Assam,” he said.
He said both states have reached an understanding to restore peace and the feedback from Assam is that restrictions have been withdrawn.”We have mutually agreed to continue plying as usual from today till September 10. From this moment, we will move freely as before. After that, we will again take a call,” Dhar said.
On compensation for vehicles damaged during the August 19 incident, he said the government has sought details from both sides and will act as per law.
All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) president Ricaldinus Dohling said the government has sought 10 days to address their demand that Meghalaya taxis should not operate to Assam and Assam vehicles should terminate at Jorabat.
“For now, we will release temporarily. Till September 10, vehicles from Assam and Meghalaya can ply as usual. We will take a final decision after the joint meeting,” he said.
By Our Reporter
