SHILLONG: Tourist taxi drivers under the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) gathered at Lad Umroi to intercept and turn back Assam-registered commercial tourist vehicles, demanding strict operational boundaries between the two states.
The association insists that Assam taxis should operate only within Assam, while Meghalaya-registered taxis handle tourist transport exclusively within Meghalaya.
AKMTTA President Ricaldinus Dohling confirmed that the state government has invited the association for talks at the Secretariat.
While Dohling will attend, he emphasized that the association’s position remains unchanged: Meghalaya taxis will not operate in Assam, and Assam taxis should not be allowed to enter Meghalaya. Dohling stated that members will continue their vigil at Lad Umroi until a concrete resolution is reached.
Expressing frustration over the lack of government action despite previous appeals, Dohling criticized authorities for only offering hospitality without solutions during earlier meetings.
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He also accused the government of yielding to Assam’s pressure and called for a clear directive barring Assam commercial drivers from operating in Meghalaya.
Dohling warned that if the government fails to act firmly, AKMTTA will escalate its agitation.
He addressed potential threats of blockades from Assam, stating that while Meghalaya might face short-term hardship, Assam would suffer greater long-term consequences.
He urged the state to adopt a strong stance, similar to driver unions in Assam, and reiterated the demand to halt outside tourist taxis at Jorabat, keeping local tourist transport under Meghalaya operators’ control.
(4FrontMedia news)
