SHILLONG, Nov 7: Amidst the ongoing turmoil, the Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTODA) has decided to continue its indefinite protest, rejecting the state government’s appeal to suspend the agitation until the release of its detained leaders.
The appeal was made during a meeting between Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, who is also the in-charge of Transport Department, and the leaders of the association in Jowai.
The decision was taken during a late-night meeting on Friday, following their discussion. The government had expressed willingness to hold talks but urged the Association to call off its protest first.
Speaking to reporters, MCTODA member Lumlang Mawnai said the members alone could not take any decision without their leaders and therefore resolved to continue the strike until their president, Mosklandar Marngar, and three other leaders — Teibor Marngar, Thrangbor Lyngdoh and Heibor Pariat — are released.
It may be recalled that the four were arrested following violent clashes between police and MCTODA members at Mawryngkneng on November 5, during which security personnel reportedly used tear gas, batons, and rubber bullets to disperse protesters blocking cement and clinker trucks.
Earlier in the day, Deputy Chief Minister Dhar, after meeting MCTODA representatives, told the media that the Association had appealed to the government for the release of its detained leaders.
Dhar also urged the Association to end its strike, while clarifying that the state government cannot intervene in matters concerning transport rates outside Meghalaya’s jurisdiction.
The meeting in Jowai was attended by Deputy Commissioners of East and West Jaintia Hills — Shivansh Awasthi and Abhinav Kumar Singh — along with Superintendents of Police Jagpal Singh Dhanoa (West Jaintia Hills) and Vikash Kumar (East Jaintia Hills), All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association adviser Kyrmenlang Uriah, Mawryngkneng Sirdar Peter J. Lawai, and other officials.
The MCTODA has been on strike since October 27, 2025, demanding that cement companies pay transportation rates as per the government-approved rate of Rs 9 per kilometre per metric tonne. As part of the agitation, the Association has been blocking trucks transporting cement and clinker from Jaintia Hills.
Meanwhile, the Shillong and Greater Shillong Taxi Drivers’ Union, led by Pynsuk Youroi, visited Mawryngkneng on Friday night to express solidarity with MCTODA members. Youroi alleged that the state government appeared to be “controlled by cement companies,” accusing ministers of acting as “servants and labourers of wealthy outsiders.”
In support of the agitation, Sirdar of Mawryngkneng, Peter J Lawai, reaffirmed the Dorbar Shnong’s backing of MCTODA’s indefinite protest. “We extend our cooperation because we see how workers and daily wage earners are being exploited by those in power who are themselves being influenced by industrialists,” Lawai stated.
He added that the meeting chaired by the Deputy Chief Minister had revealed failures within both the Transport and Police Departments, urging the government to take responsibility.
Commenting on the November 5 incident, Lawai said the police, instead of acting as protectors, had turned into aggressors, using force against peaceful demonstrators.
Supporting MCTODA’s stance to continue the strike until their leaders are released, Lawai said, “The demand is fair because without their leaders, no genuine dialogue can proceed. The government must release them immediately to enable negotiations.”
They should engage in talks: Tynsong
Later, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters that the truckers’ body should engage in talks to resolve issues instead of staging protests.
“We requested them to immediately lift their agitation. We are awaiting their decision,” Tynsong said.
On the arrest of some members of the association, he said the law will take its own course.
He reiterated that the association must allow the movement of traffic.
The newly-formed MCTODA hit the streets demanding uniform transportation rates for cement and clinker outside Meghalaya. However, the state government has already said that it cannot notify rates on behalf of Assam and other state governments.
Tension had flared again at the Mawryngkneng junction on Thursday after the police fired tear gas shells to disperse the members of the MCTODA who gathered to continue their protest against the movement of cement and clinker-laden trucks to Jaintia Hills.
Strike is unlawful: EJH dist administration
Meanwhile, the East Jaintia Hills district administration has clarified that the strike by the MCTODA against cement factories is unlawful. It further stated that the strike has disrupted traffic and essential supplies along National Highway 6.
In a statement, the Deputy Commissioner’s office said despite repeated efforts to resolve the issue through meetings on October 30, 31 and November 3 with all stakeholders, the MCTODA refused to withdraw the strike.
The association, the statement said, has been demanding that state-notified freight rates be applied to inter-state transportation — a demand termed illegal as no state government can fix such rates under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
The Jaintia Hills Truck Owners Association and the East Jaintia Hills Truck Owners and Transporters Association have distanced themselves from the strike and assured that they will continue normal transport operations. Reports of harassment of non-participating drivers and damage to vehicles have prompted police action to clear blockades and restore order.
The administration reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue but warned that no group will be allowed to take the law into its own hands or obstruct highways. It said engagement with all transport associations and cement manufacturers will continue to ensure a fair and lawful resolution.
