Misery was heaped on commuters of Shillong when the operators of the Shillong Public Transport Service (red bus) and the Shillong Supplementary Public Transport Service (maxi cabs) joined hands with the Meghalaya Joint Action Committee of Commercial Vehicles (MJACCV), who are on an indefinite strike.
On Saturday, people were seen walking to the various destinations as the red buses and vans stayed off road.
Recently, after the commercial vehicles association, called for an indefinite strike, the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) had directed the bus operators to “normally operate”, their vehicles to ease the inconveniences faced by the general public.
MUDA has leased the operation of the ‘red buses’ and the ‘maxi cabs’ to nine operators.
Ïewduh the largest commercial hub of the State almost wore a deserted look since villagers from other parts of East Khasi Hills district and other districts of Khasi-Jaiñtia hills region are unable to come to the city.
Apart from local taxis, inter-district vehicles are supporting the strike. However, even though local taxis and commercial vehicles are off the road, the city streets were clogged with private vehicles.
The taxi operators are demanding fare revision in view of the increase in petrol and diesel prices.
The decision to stay off road was taken by several organisations of the tourist and taxi drivers and owners.
There are also reports that the Petroleum Dealers Association – Meghalaya will soon convene a meeting to decide whether to support the strike called by the MJACCV.
Meanwhile, drivers and owners of commercial vehicles of areas including Laitkor -Mawryngkneng have strongly criticized the state government’s silent attitude on the skyrocketing price of petrol and diesel.
One of the vehicle owners, Phira Blah said that the public is eager to hear something from the government to ease their tension and the general public as a whole.
“If the public doesn’t come out during election to vote what will happen to those leading the government and how will they get the chance to lead the government,” she said questioning the government’s silent attitude on the issue.
