Opp exposes existence of illegal check gates

SHILLONG: The existence of illegal check gates in Garo Hills dominated proceedings of Meghalaya Assembly on Tuesday.
A number of questions were raised by the Opposition members about the presence of TNT gate, allegedly set up by GHADC, on the NH-51.
Raising the issue during Question Hour, South Tura MLA John Leslee Sangma (Independent) alleged that the Trading by Non Tribal (TNT) gate, which is being operated on National Highway 51 by the GHADC, is extorting money from non-tribals.
Sangma said that in this check gate the medium vehicles were made to pay Rs 50 each, while Rs 500 is demanded from each double axle trucks.
Sangma even placed before the House a receipt issued by those who man the gate.
Daddengre MLA James Sangma (NPP) wanted to know from the District Council Affairs (DCA) Minister HDR Lyngdoh whether the gate was being operated by GHADC as per the norms of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).
In his response,   the DCA minister said that he had sought information from GHADC in this regard. “The Government cannot interfere with the activities of GHADC,” he added. Opposition Leader Donkupar Roy asked the Government to take action against Deputy Commissioners who are not pro- active against the extortion being carried out by these illegal check gates.
Later, intervening on the issue, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma informed that there was a standing order of the government to all the deputy commissioners directing them to ensure that no illegal check gates were allowed to exist.
“We will further re-notify the order to ensure all DCs comply with the order,” Sangma assured. The Chief Minister further said that the Government would seek report on the existence of illegal check gates from all the deputy commissioners.