Demand for ban on Assam-registered vehicles ferrying tourists, adoption of Sikkim-like model in Meghalaya
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 23: Against the backdrop of a recent agitation by the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA), against the influx of out-of-state tourist taxis—primarily those registered in neighbouring Assam—into Meghalaya’s key tourist areas, leading to a significant altercation at Jorabat last week, the state government is now resorting to damage-control by seeking to study the tourist policies of some states like Sikkim, Karnataka and Maharashtra, among others, before arriving at a concrete solution to the ongoing impasse.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Tuesday said that the matter required careful consideration, with all pros and cons to be weighed before any final call is taken.
Speaking after a meeting with the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA), Dhar, who also holds the Transport portfolio, maintained that the state would draw comparisons with the policies of Sikkim, Karnataka and Maharashtra, among others, before firming up its stance.
He informed that officers of the Transport Department, in coordination with Chief Secretary DP Wahlang, have been instructed to reach out to their counterparts in other states to study the framework in place elsewhere.
According to him, the discussion with the association had been positive, with both sides agreeing on the need for dialogue.
Dhar stressed that there should be no angry agitations or protests as talks were ongoing, adding that resolution of the issue required time and patience.
He also remarked that the government and stakeholders were moving forward together on the matter.
For the moment, the status quo remains. The AKMTTA had launched an agitation on September 16 demanding a ban on Assam-registered vehicles ferrying tourists in Meghalaya. The agitation, however, was suspended following the government’s assurance of examining the matter.
Last week, a tussle broke out between taxi drivers from Assam and Meghalaya at Jorabat, the main entry point to the hill state, disrupting the movement of tourists headed to Shillong and other destinations.
Around 5,000 drivers from Assam prevented both private and commercial vehicles from Meghalaya from entering Guwahati.
