SHILLONG: The ongoing strike by the Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTODA), which began on October 27, 2025, has entered its 15th consecutive day, triggering widespread economic distress across the East Jaintia Hills District.
In a formal petition to the Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills, the Dolloi (Traditional Chief) of Elaka Narpuh, Manbha Kyndoh, expressed deep concern over the continuing agitation, which has resulted in the complete shutdown of all cement plants operating in the region.
“The strike has caused untold hardship. Nearly 2,500 to 3,000 local residents, who depend on the 7 to 8 cement factories in the district for their livelihood, have lost their salaries,” the Dolloi stated.
Massive Economic Impact
The Dolloi’s letter highlighted several layers of economic disruption caused by the prolonged industrial halt:
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Wage and Income Loss: Thousands of workers employed in and around the cement factories are now without pay.
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Ripple Effect on Local Businesses: Small traders and suppliers dealing in river sand, sandstone, timber, and bamboo have suffered heavy losses as demand has collapsed.
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Equipment Idle: Owners of Trippers, Dumpers, JCBs, and other heavy machinery have been unable to earn rental income.
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Community-Wide Impact: The strike is estimated to have affected 40,000 to 50,000 people, including truck drivers, helpers, and families running roadside dhabas (eateries).
The Dolloi lamented that this economic paralysis has struck at a particularly difficult time, as local families prepare for the Christmas season.
“We no longer have the heart to celebrate Christmas, which we look forward to once a year, because of the sudden loss of earnings caused by the MCTODA strike,” he said.
Halt in Development Works
Beyond personal hardship, the strike has also disrupted development projects linked to the cement industries’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes.
Funds under the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) are also expected to take a severe hit, as these rely on ongoing industrial operations for revenue generation.
Urgent Appeal for Resolution
In his appeal, Dolloi Ma Manbha Kyndoh urged the District Administration and the Government of Meghalaya to take immediate steps to end the impasse and restore normalcy.
He warned that continued inaction could lead to irreversible economic damage in East Jaintia Hills.
“If immediate measures are not taken, the impact could be long-lasting and difficult to remedy,” he cautioned.
