SHILLONG : The All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) has temporarily suspended its restriction on Assam-registered tourist vehicles after the Meghalaya government sought time until September 10 to address the grievances of local taxi operators.
The decision followed a meeting between Deputy Chief Minister and Transport Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and representatives of Meghalaya’s tourist taxi associations on Sunday.
Dhar assured the operators that the government would bring Assam’s tourism taxi associations and transport officials into discussions to address the dispute.
AKMTTA president Ricaldinus Dohling said the association agreed to give the government time, but made it clear that the suspension was not a settlement.
“The government has sought 10 days’ time from us. It has been assured that by September 10, it will call leaders of tourist taxi associations from Assam and officers in-charge of transport from Assam so that we can sit and discuss our demands,” Dohling said.
The association wants Meghalaya tourist taxis to stop operating into Assam, while Assam tourist vehicles entering Meghalaya should terminate their journeys at Jorabat.
Dohling said the association would wait for the outcome of the September 10 meeting before deciding its next step.
“For now, we will release it temporarily,” he said, adding that vehicles from Assam and Meghalaya would be allowed to operate normally until September 10.
He warned that the restriction could return if the talks fail.
“If the discussions are not fruitful, we will once again turn back Assam-registered vehicles,” Dohling said.
The decision came after a tense morning at Lad Umroi, where Meghalaya taxi operators stopped Assam-registered tourist vehicles travelling towards Shillong. Passengers were asked to get down from some Assam vehicles, disrupting their onward journeys.
Dohling said the association’s movement was aimed at protecting the livelihood and interests of Meghalaya’s commercial taxi operators. He also said the operators had no intention of harassing tourists or visitors.
The association has sought closer monitoring by the Ri-Bhoi administration and police, asking the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police to ensure that local operators receive protection during the interim period.
The dispute also includes complaints over alleged harassment of Meghalaya tourist vehicles operating in Assam, including issues involving parking and fines.
Dhar has said the grievances raised by Meghalaya taxi associations are genuine and that the government would take them up with Assam authorities.
The government is also collecting details of vehicles damaged during the recent interstate tensions. Dhar said the damage would be assessed by the Motor Vehicle Inspector before compensation or other action is considered under the applicable rules.
