Commercial vehicle drivers and owners in West Khasi Hills and Jaiñtia Hills have come out in support of the Meghalaya Joint Action Committee of Commercial Vehicles to go for an indefinite strike against the increasing fuel hike in the State.
The Nongstoiñ Region Local Taxi Owners and Drivers Association (NRLTODA) and the All Jaiñtia Transporter Association (AJTA) said that the increase in petrol and diesel price has not only affected the commercial drivers and owners but their families too.
Meanwhile, the associations have also urged local taxis, tourist taxis, maxi cabs, pickup vans, trucks, buses, auto rickshaws and all other commercial vehicles to stop plying until the government responds to their demand.
AJTA president B. Thubru also threatened to launch a public protest against the exorbitant collection at the toll gate plaza in Ri Bhoi district.
He stated that the toll gates in Diengpasoh and Umling (20 mer) overcharge truck drivers that is triple the amount laid as per FasTag. “When the recharge of FasTag exhausts, drivers are asked to pay in cash. While the amount that we pay as per FasTag is Rs 240, the rate goes up to Rs 840 in cash,” he added.
Thubru further stated that policemen on duty at the toll gate too are involved in illegal collection from truckers.