By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 22: A local court on Friday disposed of the case against the Meghalaya Joint Action Committee of Commercial Vehicles (JACCV) relating to the 2021 transport strike over demands for a reduction in tax rates and revision of passenger fares following the steep rise in fuel prices.
Speaking to reporters after the court order, JACCV chairman Wandonbok Jyrwa said the organisation got justice after fighting the case for several years.
“We have achieved victory as the court has decided to dispose of the case related to our strike in 2021 which was launched due to an unprecedented hike in fuel prices,” Jyrwa said.
He further stated that the decision to suspend operations in 2021 was not taken out of excitement or by force, but because commercial vehicle operators were finding it increasingly difficult to sustain their livelihood amid the continuous increase in petrol and diesel prices.
“The situation had become unbearable as fuel prices were rising day by day, and it was no longer viable for transporters to continue operations under such conditions,” Jyrwa said.
He said the organisation had fought the case from 2021 till date through its legal counsel and expressed gratitude to the court and the presiding judge for disposing of the matter.
“We thank the honourable court, especially the judge, for bringing the case to an end,” he said.
According to him, the JACCV had launched the agitation and suspended transport services for more than two weeks, demanding a hike in passenger fares in view of the sharp increase in fuel prices.
He clarified that the transporters had voluntarily stayed off the roads and no force was used during the agitation.
“We were surprised when we were summoned by the court because the decision to stop plying vehicles was taken voluntarily by our members,” he added.
