CM orders probe into ‘illegal toll gates’

SHILLONG: Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma has instituted an inquiry into the alleged operation of illegal tollgates along the National Highway 62 in North Garo Hills.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Dr Sangma said that he has instructed the Chief Secretary to conduct the inquiry based on the representation of Goalpara Truck Owners’ Association which had demanded immediate closure of all the illegal toll gates.
The Chief Minister also informed that Deputy Commissioners of all the districts had been given directions to check the functioning of any illegal toll gates much before the truck owners made the plea to him.
“All Deputy Commissioners had been asked to ensure that no illegal collection was made in their respective districts,” Dr Sangma said adding that he is expecting a report from all the Deputy Commissioners in this regard.
The Government would fix responsibility on those who indulge in illegal collections, the Chief Minister added.
The Goalpara Truckers’ Association had earlier decided not to ply through the Goalpara-Nangalbibra road due to the alleged large scale extortion in the illegal check gates of North Garo Hills.  They even threatened to stop the supply of essential commodities to Garo Hills if the Meghalaya Government failed to take remedial steps.