By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 10: Tourist taxi drivers operating between Shillong and Guwahati are reportedly facing harassment from dalals (middlemen) operating in various parts of Shillong.
These dalals allegedly charge Rs 50 per passenger from the taxi drivers whenever a tourist boards a taxi to Shillong. Drivers said such individuals or groups are often found in areas like Police Bazar, Civil Hospital, and Jhalupara.
In Jhalupara, some taxi drivers have converted a parking lot into an informal taxi stand. Even if a passenger boards a moving vehicle on their own in that area, the dalals demand Rs 50 per passenger from the driver.
If a driver refuses to pay, the dalals and their group reportedly resort to physical intimidation or confrontation.
Drivers also pointed out that Shillong has very few designated taxi stands, which forces them to pick up passengers from various points around the city. Despite this, the dalals act as if they have the authority to collect money from drivers for every passenger picked up within Shillong.
“It has become a menace in Shillong and the police must take action,” one driver said.
Similarly, drivers mentioned that such issues also occur at Khanapara and the nearby taxi stand for Shillong-bound vehicles, where they are often harassed by other drivers. In some cases, even passengers have been subjected to misbehaviour.