SHILLONG, FEB 18: Thousands of coal truckers from neighbouring Assam have decided to call an “indefinite-bandh” from plying the trucks on the National Highway 62 and 37 demanding that the Meghalaya and Assam governments must put a stop to excessive money collection by illegal and unauthorized toll gates erected along the road in Garo hills region.
The indefinite-bandh called by the truckers under the banner of the Goalpara District Truck Owners’ Association (GDTOA) banning all coal truckers from Assam to ply in the NH-62 and 37 has started since Monday.
The association has threatened to stage an indefinite-block against the movement of the vehicles carrying diesel, petrol, kerosene and gas cylinder from February 24 if their demands are not met.
The association has threatened to take up the issue of illegal collection of money with the centre and demand a CBI probe if the state governments refuse to take necessary steps to address the problem.
“We have decided to call for an indefinite bandh on coal carrying vehicles on the NH 62 and 37 connecting Shallang in West Khasi Hills – Hahim via Boko NH, to protest the illegal collection of money from coal truckers and traders by illegal, unauthorized toll gates set up along the two national highways connecting both Assam and Meghalaya,” GDTOA president Abul Kalam Hussain told reporters during a news conference on Tuesday.
Hussain informed that the association’s delegation had submitted a memorandum demanding immediate action against illegal collection from the trucks to Meghalaya as well as Assam governments . The memorandum was submitted to the chief minister, chief secretary, director general of police and home commissioner of both the states.
Hussian warned that if the governments fail to take steps to stop the illegal collections, the association will step up its agitation by blocking the movement of the vehicles carrying diesel, petrol, kerosene and gas cylinder from February 24 for an indefinite period.
Hussain informed the decision was also taken following the failure of the district administrations (North Garo Hills, South Garo Hills and West Garo hills) and Assam to take legal action on the illegal colletion of money from the truckers.
According to Hussain, out of the 5000 trucks from Assam over 500 trucks are plying over the National Highway-62 to Garo hills on a regular basis.
“These 500 truckers have been subjected to the illegal collection of money by unauthorized toll gates which were set up by government, police, district council (GHADC) and others,” Hussain said while informing that there are around 21 such illegal toll gates only in Resulbepara, North Garo Hills, 4 in Baghmara, South Garo Hills and 10 in Williamnagar, East Garo hills districts.
“Over Rs 1.75 crore have been illegally collected from the 500 coal trucks by these illegal toll gates per day,” Hussain said while adding that over Rs 35,000 – 50, 000 was collected from one truck per trip per day.
Hussain also alleged that there is a toll gate in South Garo hills district run by the police who are collecting Rs 200 for empty trucks.
“These kind of excessive illegal collections have to large extent affected and hamper the truckers and their business which have left them with no other choices but to resort to democratic protest to end this menace,” Hussain added.
Hussain, however, denied involvement of militant outfits in illegal collections from truckers. He said, “So far, we have not got any complaints from our truckers that any militant is indulging in such kind of collections.” – By Our Reporter
Day light Robbery under the nose of Corrupt Governments ….
If the DGP’s of both States do not act then we know who is supporting the Extortion, and for whom. They take oath in name to uphold the law but watch lawlessness prevail in the States with open eyes.This can only prevail in Corrupt States and for Meghalaya its Politicians- criminals cops- hardcore militants nexus..and so DGP’s are chosen even from the lower ranks as long as they say ‘Yes Sir’ and can wipe the shit from the back of these Politicians.