From Our Correspondent
JOWAI, Feb 16: Vehicles made a bee line at the Ialong toll plaza in West Jaintia Hills on Tuesday paving way to an obnoxious traffic snarl on National Highway-6 or the Jowai-Ladrymbai-Khliehriat road.
A war of words erupted between staff of the toll plaza and vehicle owners over issues related to the FASTag rules, particularly the fine imposed on drivers without FASTag.
The vehicle owners were led by the leaders of various pressure groups including the All Jaintia Tourist and Commercial Vehicle Association (AJTCVA), MPLU, FKJGP, HANM, MPUF, WJNC besides others.
District magistrates along with the district police led by West Jaintia Hills SP, Bikram D Marak, rushed to the spot to control the situation.
Upon their arrival, a meeting was held between officials of the NHAI, district magistrates and police.
The president of AJCTVA, Paila Lyngkot, informed that the staff of the toll gate was overcharging all vehicle owners on the basis of the implementation of the FASTag.
Earlier, all tourist vehicles paid Rs 30 per day, but on Tuesday, they were charged Rs 60 per trip, for not having the FASTag registration.
Lyngkot also informed that the Association met the Deputy Commissioner seeking more time for the implementation of the FASTag as all tourist vehicles are yet to get their vehicles registered.
The Association demanded of the toll gate in West Jaintia Hills to collect Rs 30 per day from tourist vehicles and Rs 275 per month for private vehicle as done in the past till the matter is resolved.
Later, after the pressure from various organisations, vehicles were allowed to pass freely.
