By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: A day after suspected GNLA militants torched a Shillong-bound bus in Garo Hills, the Managing Director of the Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC), SN Marak on Thursday shot off a letter to the Secretary, Transport department, urging the official to take up the issue of providing security to MTC buses with the Home department.
The MTC MD also asked the Secretary to discuss with police authorities the need for providing security to the Shillong, Tura and Williamnagar bus depots, besides considering security arrangements for the buses plying in Garo Hills.
Armed militants numbering around five to six had forcefully stopped a Shillong-bound MTC bus (Ml-03 0197) at Nengsawakse near Bajengdoba in North Garo Hills District and set it ablaze after directing the passengers of the vehicle to abandon it within four minutes.
Police recovered a note of GNLA, written both in English and Garo, which said that the outfit resorted to violence since the Government was indifferent to its various demands.
Meanwhile, in a meeting convened by the MTC Chairman, Hopeful Bamon, the officials of the corporation condemned the burning down of the bus in North Garo Hills on Wednesday morning.
Bamon said that taking into account the latest incident, the MTC will urge the Home department to provide escort to even the day buses now.
“We will try to take as many steps as possible to ensure that these buses are safe,” he added.