Ban call fails to garner support from other tourist taxi bodies
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 3: In a move that may have a wide-ranging impact on citizens and tourists, the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) has announced an indefinite strike starting 5 am on September 16, during which tourist taxis from outside the state will be barred from entering tourist destinations across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
The announcement follows the expiry of a one-week deadline given to the state government to address the association’s demands.
However, a majority of the tourist taxi associations in Meghalaya have distanced themselves from the AKMTTA’s call for an indefinite strike from September 16.
The Meghalaya Tourist Transporters’ Association (MTTA), the Khasi Hills Tourist Taxi Association (KHTTA), and the All Shillong Tourist Taxi Drivers’ Union (ASTTDA) are among those not supporting the strike.
Earlier, speaking to reporters after a meeting here on Wednesday, AKMTTA member Balajied Jyrwa stated that no tourist vehicles from outside would be allowed to operate in Sohra, Dawki, and other popular tourist spots in the two hill regions. He added that the association has units across districts and will deploy members to patrol tourist locations during the strike.
Jyrwa appealed to visitors to hire Meghalaya-registered tourist taxis if they plan to travel during the protest. He emphasised that the agitation is a peaceful, non-violent movement, noting that despite tourism growth, local taxi operators have not benefited, while much of the revenue has gone to outsiders.
He clarified that the restriction applies only to non-Meghalaya taxis entering tourist sites.
Jyrwa stated that vehicles will not be stopped if they are simply passing through Meghalaya or travelling to destinations like Silchar. “If tourist taxis from outside continue to ferry passengers to tourist spots despite our appeal, then the government must take full responsibility for any consequences. We will not be held accountable,” he warned.
According to the association, tourist taxis from neighbouring Assam dominate the sector in Meghalaya. It said that such vehicles should only drop visitors in Shillong, after which tourists should hire local taxis to explore the attractions. This, they argue, would support the local economy and create fair opportunities for local drivers.
However, other stakeholders have expressed concern that these restrictions might discourage visitors.
MTTA president Ferdinand Jyrwa stated that while they share AKMTTA’s concerns, they will not back the protest as the government has already constituted a committee led by senior IAS officer Cyril V.D. Diengdoh.
KHTTA general secretary Bhaskar Deb echoed this view, stressing that the matter is still under the government’s consideration.
He warned that the AKMTTA’s move could have serious repercussions, as it could backfire in the age of social media.
Veteran tourist taxi driver Peter Tamang also opposed the strike, suggesting that instead of targeting tourist taxis from Assam, the AKMTTA should focus on regulating private vehicles from outside the state.
ASTTDA president Anthrolius B. Marak confirmed they would not support the protest and would wait for the Diengdoh-led committee’s decision.