Our Bureau
SHILLONG/KHLIEHRIAT, Nov 6: Cement and clinker movement from Meghalaya has come to a standstill since October 27 due to the strike called by the Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTODA).
The blockade has disrupted dispatches from all major cement plants in Jaintia Hills, leading to an acute shortage of cement across Meghalaya and other northeastern states.
The strike was called by the MCTODA, demanding that government-notified transport rates be applied to transportation of cement and clinker outside Meghalaya.
The state government has already made it clear that the demand cannot be fulfilled as the Government of Meghalaya cannot notify the rates on behalf of Assam and other state governments.
Meanwhile, East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Shivansh Awasthi on Thursday clarified that following the announcement of the strike from October 27, the district administration initiated a dialogue process to resolve the issue through consultation with all stakeholders.
He said a coordination meeting was held on October 30 at the DC’s Office, Khliehriat, which was attended by representatives of the Jaintia Hills Cement Manufacturers Association (JHCMA), the Jaintia Hills Truck Owners Association (JHTOA) and the East Jaintia Hills Truck Owners and Transporters Association (EJHTOTA).
Despite being formally invited, MCTODA declined to attend the meeting. The other two associations—JHTOA and EJHTOTA—confirmed that they are operating smoothly with the cement plants and do not support the strike. They also submitted written communications expressing their commitment to maintain normal transportation activities, the DC said.
During subsequent meetings, the JHCMA clarified that the Government of Meghalaya’s notified freight rates for intrastate transportation within Meghalaya have already been implemented in full by all cement plants.
However, MCTODA demanded that the same notified rates be applied to interstate transportation in violation of provision of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
The DC pointed out that despite other concerns being accepted by the cement plants, MCTODA refused to withdraw the strike and continued to obstruct the movement of trucks carrying cement and clinker along NH-6, disrupting essential transport and public movement.
The DC said reports have also been received of incidents involving damage to vehicles and harassment of non-participating drivers, following which the East Khasi Hills Police took lawful measures to clear blockades, restore traffic, and ensure the safety of all road users.
The district administration will continue to engage with all stakeholders—MCTODA, JHTOA, EJHTOTA, and JHCMA—to reach a fair and sustainable solution while upholding law and order, ensuring the free flow of traffic, and protecting the livelihood of transport workers across the district, the DC added.
