Taxi associations of Meghalaya and Assam have decided to form a joint committee to address tensions that frequently erupt between tourist commercial drivers of both the states.
The decision was taken during an emergent meeting held today between the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist & Taxi Association and the All India Goods Transport Workers Association (Assam) after a driver from Meghalaya, Iajerlang Mylliew Umlong, was assaulted in Khanapara on April 7.
Iatylli Tourist Owners and Drivers Association Secretary Balajied Jyrwa said such incidents continue to happen and a joint committee can prevent such incidents from recurring. He said it is important to address disputes and maintain peace and smooth operations of the sector.
General Secretary of the Assam unit of the All India Goods Transport Workers Federation, Biren Sharma stressed on the need for a dialogue and mutual understanding whenever such incidents arise, to avoid disrupting peace and livelihoods of public transport workers of both the states.
Ricaldinus Dohling, President of the Meghalaya association, expressed regret that despite attempts to resolve the issue with counterparts in Khanapara, their association leader did not attend the meeting, prompting the temporary restriction on Assam-based taxis in Shillong.
