SHILLONG, Nov 7: Amidst the ongoing standoff between the Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTODA) and cement companies operating in Jaintia Hills, the Jaintia National Council (JNC) has urged the unification of all such organisations across the state to safeguard the interests of truck owners and drivers.
JNC president Sambormi Lyngdoh, on Friday, called upon the Jaintia Hills Truck Owners Association (JHTOA) and the East Jaintia Hills Truck Owners Association (EJHTOA) to join hands with MCTODA in their ongoing protest against alleged non-payment of government-approved transportation rates by cement factories. “As members of the Hynniewtrep community, we must stand united and not fall into the trap of division created by cement companies. Their ‘divide and rule’ tactics are meant to weaken our collective strength,” Lyngdoh stated.
He asserted that the cement companies have exploited this disunity among truckers to continue their operations while neglecting the rightful dues of local transporters.
“The genuine demands of the truckers associations will never be realized if they remain divided,” he added.
Meanwhile, Lyngdoh informed that the JNC recently met with MCTODA representatives in Mawryngkneng to understand the root of the dispute.
During the discussion, it emerged that while the government claims the cement companies have paid transportation rates as per official norms, such payments were made only to a select few truckers, leaving the majority unpaid.
“If the companies continue to disregard the government-fixed rates, we will be forced to launch our own protest,” Lyngdoh warned.
The JNC president also accused the district council of failing to uphold its mandate of protecting indigenous trade interests, alleging instead that it has been “bolstering non-tribal businesses.”
He pointed out that major cement companies such as Star Cement, Topcem, and Amrit Cement now operate hundreds of their own trucks — with Star Cement alone owning between 300 and 400 — thereby sidelining local truck operators.
Lyngdoh strongly urged the district council to strictly enforce non-tribal trade regulations, particularly concerning the acquisition of transport vehicles by non-tribal companies.
He also appealed to the state government to impose restrictions on vehicle purchases by these firms in order to safeguard indigenous livelihoods.
Commenting on the recent developments, Lyngdoh noted that the Transport Minister has extended an invitation to MCTODA leaders for negotiations, while the Home Minister, through police action, has detained several of them.
“If the government truly wants peace, it must first release the detained MCTODA leaders. Dialogue cannot take place while they remain in custody,” he asserted.
The JNC president further revealed that the organization will convene an emergency Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting within the next two to three days to decide on its next course of action.
“As an organisation dedicated to the welfare of our people, we cannot remain silent in the face of these injustices,” he said.
Lyngdoh also condemned the alleged threats made by a non-tribal company official named Devendar, who reportedly warned of arrests against MCTODA members.
“Such statements appear to preempt police actions and reveal a concerning level of influence. We will not tolerate any forces that seek to undermine the rights and dignity of our indigenous community,” he declared.
