Tynsong warns against demand for illegal payments from transporters
SHILLONG, July 1: Deputy Chief Minister in-charge of Public Works Department (Roads), Prestone Tynsong, on Tuesday announced that heavy vehicles will once again be allowed to ply on the Lad Umsaw-Mawmaram road as the construction of the temporary “subway” around the weakened bridge has been completed, provided no trucks are overloaded.
Cautioning transporters and officials alike, Tynsong said, “But, at the same time, the district administration has to ensure that there shouldn’t be any overloading since these days there are 10-tyre or 12-tyre trucks, which often exceed the loading capacity.”
The minister’s declaration followed a violent flare-up on Monday night, when truckers and villagers clashed with police after officers stopped loaded vehicles from entering the route. An agitated crowd reportedly shoved a police vehicle off the carriageway before forcing a convoy of trucks through the barricade.
Meanwhile, Tynsong also warned of severe penalties for anyone, official or otherwise, caught demanding illegal payments from transporters along the road.
“If there are any such complaints, come any time, I am there, and will ensure if there are such cases where any police or official are taking money, we will act sternly,” he said, responding to allegations that groups had been extorting truckers for passage.
Even as tensions simmered, representatives of the Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTODA) were unable to meet Tynsong at the Secretariat on Tuesday—their approach thwarted by an unrelated protest by a hawkers’ union outside the gates.
Speaking to media persons, the association president Mosklander Marngar said the situation has become untenable for transporters, especially after Monday night’s clash.
“Last week, a few of our members had taken an appointment to meet the Deputy Chief Minister, and it was confirmed for today. But we couldn’t meet him because of some issue at the Secretariat. We were compelled to seek that meeting after what happened last evening due to the closure of the Mawmaram-Lad Umsaw road. Many of our drivers, truck owners and even members of the public were agitated. A clash broke out between our members and police personnel, and, in that chaos, the police vehicle was pushed aside and trucks forcefully moved through that road,” Marngar said.
He said repeated closures have left truckers with no viable routes. “Right now, our members have nowhere to go. All roads have been closed to us. Last time when Mawmaram road was closed, we were given permission to use the NEIGRIHMS and Shillong Bypass route. But now, since Sunday, the Additional SP has ordered that we cannot use this road either. The only option left is Mawryngkneng, which is far and severely affects our livelihood.”
Marngar lamented the financial burden imposed by the detour. “When we calculate the profit, there is nothing left. That is why the members are so agitated. They had no choice but to make their way through that road,” he said.
He recalled earlier assurances from the government. “Last time when the road was closed, we met the deputy chief minister and he had assured us that the matter would be resolved. He said there was a small crack on the bridge and that a subway would be constructed. Now that the subway is completed, it’s been three months, and we are still not allowed to ply through the road.”
He also alleged that certain individuals were trying to profit from the crisis. “It is very bad for us and bad for the government. Some people approached us and said if we are ready to pay as we did earlier when there were toll gates, they could speak to the government and get the road released. They even quoted Rs 700 per truck,” Marngar said.
Suggesting foul play, he added, “It seems like there is a nexus, a mafia-style operation controlling this road. If not, why are our vehicles not being allowed when contractor vehicles carrying 30-40 tonnes from a stone crusher are moving freely? Our trucks carry only 9 to 12 tonnes.”
Airing concern over the previous night’s events, he said, “The situation is serious. We were lucky the police maintained restraint; but if this continues, public frustration will boil over and there will be a major clash between the people and the police. We are not happy at all.”
The association has also expressed concern over the recent directive by the deputy commissioner that restricted trucks carrying over nine tonnes from using the Mawmaram-Lad Umsaw route.