By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 12: The state government has said it would not succumb to the pressure of the North East Petroleum Mazdoor Union (NEPMU), which has again threatened to stop transporting fuel to Meghalaya citing harassment of its members and their continued detention.
An official said the Home and Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs departments agreed during a meeting that the demands of the union were unreasonable.
“We cannot interfere in the judicial process and we cannot do anything about this,” the official said.
The union was told that the police investigation into the pilferage of oil is ongoing and there is a judicial process that needs to be followed and the government cannot simply give in to their demands.
Following the fresh threat of the union, the government reached out to the Meghalaya Petroleum Dealers’ Association as its members have about 30 tankers. The vehicles of the members of the association are now going to Betkuchi in Guwahati to bring fuel for the state.
These oil tankers would be provided with police escort between Byrnihat and Betkuchi where fuel is loaded.
The Meghalaya police have reached out to the Assam police to ensure that they take steps to ensure there is no disruption in the movement of the oil tankers to and from Meghalaya.
Earlier, the Meghalaya Petroleum Dealers’ Association reached out to the state government saying that some drivers and handymen are engaged in pilferage of petrol and diesel from tankers en route to Meghalaya from Assam. The matter was investigated by the police and 14 persons, including a juvenile, were arrested.
The NEPMU said some of its members are currently detained in Nongpoh and other locations after being arrested on November 24 on suspicion of engaging in adulteration and fuel theft. They are being harassed needlessly, it said.
The state government has asked the DCs to ensure oil stock position and rationing as a last resort if there is a shortage of fuel in the state.