SHILLONG: The Synjuk Ki Nongniah Taxi Sor & Khapsor on Thursday met the District Transport Officer (DTO) of East Khasi Hills, R. Hinge, to raise concerns over the continued operation of illegal commercial two-wheelers in Shillong without proper documentation.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, President of the Synjuk Ki Nongniah Taxi Sor & Khapsor Kmenlang Khonglah said the union had earlier submitted written complaints regarding the issue, stating that the growing number of illegal two-wheelers operating commercially in Shillong has badly affected the livelihood of taxi drivers.
Khonglah acknowledged that traffic congestion in the city has led many people to use two-wheelers for convenience. However, he stressed that convenience should not justify illegal operations, especially when passengers are travelling without insurance coverage.
He also raised concerns about passenger safety, questioning who would be responsible if an accident happened. He urged the public not to focus only on reaching destinations quickly, but also to consider their own safety and welfare.
According to Khonglah, the DTO office has been carrying out its responsibilities, and the DTO assured the delegation that strict enforcement drives would continue against illegal operators in Shillong.
Khonglah further appealed to those operating commercial two-wheelers not to view the union’s stand negatively, saying the union is not against anyone earning a livelihood, provided they follow legal procedures. He pointed out that licensed taxi operators pay taxes regularly and should not lose their income to illegal operators.
The union also urged the public to support local people instead of relying on outside app-based services. Khonglah warned that if the government fails to address their grievances, the union may resort to stronger forms of protest, including refusing to pay taxes in the future.
