By Our Reporter
Shillong, Nov 8: The Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTODA) will file bail applications on Monday for the release of its four arrested leaders, including its president, Mosklandar Marngar.
The three other detained leaders are Teibor Marngar, Thrangbor Lyngdoh, and Heibor Pariat. All four were produced before the court on Saturday.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the association said it would decide on suspending its ongoing agitation only after the outcome of the bail hearing and clarity on the government’s stance.
“It will also depend on the goodwill and gesture shown by the government. We will wait to see if the government will oppose the bail applications which our legal counsel will move before the court on Monday,” the MCTODA stated.
The association urged the state government to withdraw the serious charges such as murder, kidnapping, and abduction filed against their leaders in a case registered at Mawryngkneng Police Station.
Despite the tension, the MCTODA reiterated its willingness to cooperate with the government. “We are ready to cooperate to any extent, but the government needs to show seriousness in considering our demands,” the association maintained.
UDP calls for dialogue
The UDP has called for dialogue instead of confrontation to resolve the ongoing standoff between the MCTODA and the state government.
UDP general secretary Titosstarwell Chyne on Saturday said the government must take the lead in finding a peaceful solution through consultation.
“It is the duty of the government. Issues are coming up day by day, and I believe there is no issue that cannot be solved through consultation and negotiation. It’s best that the issue is solved across the table,” Chyne stated.
“Going by the various reports in the public domain, we request the government to exercise restraint where use of force is concerned and that dialogue should be the way forward, after all the affected are our own people. As demanded by the affected association, steps to release their arrested leaders to facilitate dialogue should be considered,” he added.
The MCTODA has been on an indefinite strike since October 27, 2025, demanding that cement companies adhere to the government-approved transportation rate of Rs 9 per kilometre per metric tonne.
As part of its protest, the association has been blocking the movement of cement and clinker trucks from Jaintia Hills.
