By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 28: After a war of words broke out between the UDP and NPP over the illegal toll gate racket in state, UDP MLA from Nongpoh, Mayralborn Syiem, on Saturday, took an amicable approach on the matter as he spoke about the issue. Syiem said the government is serious about ensuring that there are no toll gates operating on the highways.
“In the past few months, there were (toll gates) but now they have been closed down. The police and district administration are alert and even the government is serious about illegal toll gate not operating on the highways,” said Syiem, whose constituency has a large chunk of highways passing through.
He observed that toll gates operating on the highways have a direct impact on price rise. “…if the transporters of the trucks are taxed illegally it is not a healthy sign,” he added.
Recently, the TMC had flagged reports of some illegal check gates in operation along the highways despite the district authorities dismantling them.
“They were dismantled but some frivolous elements have set up some gates again,” TMC vice-president, George B Lyngdoh had said.
The UDP, on the other hand, had recently expressed concern over the illegal toll gates, engaging in a war of words with the KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) and NPP leader, Pyniaid Sing Syiem.
Syiem had claimed that some people arrested by the police recently for their involvement in the alleged illegal collection at the forest check gate of the council at Mawlai Mawiong were UDP supporters.
He made the claim a day after Mawthoh had stated that the collection of money from goods-laden vehicles at illegal check gates was leading to price rise, making common people suffer.
The UDP then dared the KHADC CEM to provide the names of its supporters and evidence substantiating their involvement in the alleged collection of illegal taxes.
The UDP has also asked the CEM to retract his statement that the arrested members were UDP members if he cannot prove what he alleged.