By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 3: The Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTO&DA) has announced a suspension of coke transportation from the Nongjri area in South West Khasi Hills, effective Saturday, in protest against the alleged assault of its South West Khasi Hills unit secretary, Philander Thongni.
According to Thongni, he was slapped by a member of a prominent pressure group.
Association president Moskalander Marngar stated that it will initiate an indefinite strike, halting coke transportation from Nongjri until the individual responsible for the assault engages in dialogue with the association to resolve the matter.
Marngar added that the association has decided not to lodge a First Information Report (FIR) at this point. Instead, they plan to approach the leadership of the concerned pressure group directly.
Responding to questions, Marngar alleged that the incident may have been orchestrated by vested interests, including a coke factory, in an attempt to intimidate members of the association.
He further noted that such incidents are not new and appear to be part of an ongoing effort to create fear among truck drivers and Association members.