Taxi drivers and private transport operators from Smit and adjoining areas have decided to support the indefinite strike of the Meghalaya Joint Action Committee of Commercial Vehicles (MJACCV).
It may be mentioned that the MJACCV has been on an indefinite strike since February 3, demanding the decrease in prices of petrol and diesel. However, a few transporters led by one Egenstar Kurkalang dissented and wanted a hike of passenger fares.
Today, during a special meeting the members of the Smit Taxi Owners and Drivers Association (STODA) comprising taxi drivers from Smit and adjoining areas like Jongsha, Thynroit, Laitkyrhong, East Khasi Hills, numbering around 400 decided to support the MJACCV.
Pynkhrawbor Kharbuli, vice president of the STODA also urged the All Meghalaya Commercial Vehicle Owners and Drivers Union to join hands with the MJACCV for demanding the decreasing of petrol and diesel prices.
“This will not only benefit the drivers or vehicle owners but also the general public,” Kharbuli said even as he urged the government to invite the association for talks to resolve the issue.
Meanwhile, Morrison Wankhar, treasurer of the association said that since the commercial vehicles, especially the local taxis in the State, went off the road, their families and others are facing difficulties.
“We drivers are not driving our own vehicles but are working for someone at the end of the day all we get is wages and with it we try to fulfill the needs of our families,” Wankhar said.
He said that since now it is the beginning of the new academic session, they even have to provide books, uniforms and fees for their children.
Wankhar also said that the farmers are also affected due to the strike since many of them from Mawkynrew constituency are unable to bring their produce to the markets.
