Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners’ and Drivers’ Association (MCTODA) president Mosklandar Marngar said that illegal toll gates are increasing in Ri-Bhoi district and have become a menace for trucks transporting goods to Meghalaya and outside the State.
“Today, the most number of toll gates are in Ri-Bhoi. In every road except National Highway, there are toll gates the truckers have to pay,” Marngar told media persons yesterday.
“In the past, from West Khasi Hills to Byrnihat truckers had to spend around Rs 18,000 to pay at toll gates. After MCTODA was formed, we fought against this menace and with the help of the State government the toll gates were closed down,” he added.
According to Marngar, many truck drivers were injured after they were attacked by toll gate keepers for refusing to pay the toll.
“They (toll gate keepers) claimed that they are members of this and that organisation. Poor truckers out of fear for their life are forced to pay whatever was demanded by these toll gate keepers,” he said.
The MCTODA president also said that truckers are willing to pay the toll if the money goes to the State exchequer to meet the salary of teachers and employees.
“However, we are noticing that the money collected from us did not go to the State exchequer. Whatever was demanded at the toll gates is just a ‘Goonda tax’. If we don’t pay the ‘Goonda tax’ we are harassed by the toll gate keepers,” he said.
Marngar also expressed concern over the district administration’s order prohibiting trucks from moving on Mawmaram – Lad Umsaw road.
He said that taking a longer route from Mawryngkneng, Laitkor and Shillong would lead to transportation cost escalation besides delay in reaching the destination.
