An appeal circulated among JHTOA members reportedly lays down eight conditions, including a provision that each truck should contribute Rs 1,000 towards Dy CM’s felicitation programme
SHILLONG, June 29: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of two transporters’ associations has issued a clarification about allegations that truck owners are being forced to contribute Rs 1,000 per truck for a programme to felicitate Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar at the State Library on July 1.
The organisations are the East Jaintia Hills Truck Owners’ and Transporters’ Association (EJHTO&TA) and the Jaintia Hills Truck Owners’ Association (JHTOA).
However, despite the clarification, an appeal circulated among JHTOA members reportedly lays down eight conditions, including a provision that each truck should contribute Rs 1,000 towards the felicitation programme.
The Shillong Times has a copy of the appeal, which bears the signatures of the secretary and president of the JHTOA.
Rejecting the allegations, the presidents of the EJHTO&TA and JHTOA stated that the associations have neither planned nor initiated any move to collect money in such a manner and have not forced, nor will they force, truck owners to make any payment.
The JAC further maintained that all expenses for the felicitation programme being organised for three state ministers on July 1 at the State Library, Shillong, will be borne entirely from the associations’ funds and not through contributions, collections, or demands from members or truck owners.
The committee also alleged that the accusations were aimed at damaging the image and reputation of the associations.
According to the JAC, the allegations are a malicious attempt to defame and tarnish the principles and standing of the associations in society.
The committee urged all members and truck owners not to pay attention to what it described as rumours, gossip, and baseless allegations.
Meanwhile, the appeal circulated among members mandates that at least one representative from every truck must attend the programme in Shillong. Failure to attend would result in a six-month suspension of a truck’s operations.
To ensure compliance, the organisers have reportedly said attendance will be recorded twice during the programme. The associations have also announced that no loading slips will be issued on July 1 to ensure members attend the event rather than continue operations.
Truck owners, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the move as a “shakedown” and asked why collecting money and ensuring attendance were based on a government-notified tax relief measure.
