GUWAHATI:
More than 200 petroleum workers, including drivers and handymen, stopped plying fuel tankers to four districts of Meghalaya from November 24 in the aftermath of the Mukroh mob violence which left six persons dead on November 22.
“There are reports of torture by miscreants on truck drivers from different parts of Meghalaya in the aftermath of the Mukroh shooting incident. The drivers feeling insecurity in plying fuel tankers to Meghalaya,” said Ramen Das, general secretary, Assam Petroleum Mazdoor Union, here.
The movement of oil tankers to East Khasi Hills district,. West Khasi Hills district, Jaintia Hills district and Ri-Bhoi district have been stopped from November 24.
“However, the movement of oil tankers to North Garo Hills, South Garo HillsEast Garo Hills, North East Garo Hills will continue,” Das said.
More than 100 oil tankers of three oil marketing companies – Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (Indian Oil), Hindustan Petroleum Co Ltd (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Co Ltd (BPCL) ply between Guwahati and Meghalaya regularly.
Each tanker carries more than 12 KL of fuel and other petroleum products to the neighbouring state.
The sudden decision to close of oil tankers to Meghalaya will lead to a crisis of fuel in the neighbouring state.
“The Assam Petroleum Mazdoor Union (APMU) has already informed the three oil marketing companies to stop loading in favour of Meghalaya,” Das said.
“There is an abnormal situation going on in Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Ri-Bhoi districts of Meghalaya due to which our members refused to ply oil tankers to the petrol pumps under the four districts. They seek safety and security of their lives due to prevailing situation,” the APMU stated in its letter to three oil companies.
“We have decided not to take any load from today onwards until and unless the Meghalaya government assures us the safety and security of T/T crews oil and gas and if any incident occurs Meghalaya government will take responsibilities,” the letter added.
“Till now no clash has been reported with our members. But we decide considering the safety and security of our members,” Das added.