SHILLONG:
The Meghalaya Commercial Trucks and Drivers Association has urged the district administration and the police to take action against miscreants who allegedly assaulted a driver after he refused to pay extra money at a toll gate at Ladmiri, Mairang in West Khasi Hills.
Addressing a press conference, the adviser to the association, Joannes Lamare, threatened to take the matter to higher authorities if they fail to take action within a month.
The driver of the sand-laden truck, John Richard Syiemlieh, was allegedly assaulted at Ladmiri at 7:30 pm on April 6 as he refused to pay Rs 400 as demanded by the collectors of the toll gate.
“The toll gate collectors demanded money from me although the certificate of origin was given at Nongkasen, which is Rs 500. So, when I reached Ladmiri, I gave them Rs 200 as we are supposed to give them that amount, but the toll gate collectors took advantage and demanded Rs 400 but I refused to give. They were in an inebriated state. They threw stones which hit my head and I lost consciousness. The vehicle hit a wall. Fortunately, it was a strong wall so nothing untoward happened,” he said.
He added that police were called after the incident.
He said that in one trip, they have to shell out Rs 1600.
The members of the association claimed that the toll gate belonged to the Hima Nongkhlaw.
Lamare said that the demand of the toll gate collectors is similar to extortion as the driver is supposed to pay Rs 200 but they demanded Rs 400.
“It is clear evidence that extortion is taking place at these toll gates. They have become so lawless. The KHADC has been asking for evidence, this assault is clear proof to substantiate the cases of extortion along the national highways,” he added.
He further said that he has written to the Ministry of Roads, Transport and Highways (MoRTH) where he asked whether the ministry has authorised the district councils to set up toll gates and check gates along the national highways to which the reply was in the negative.
He added that the ministry has given direction to set up basic amenities like fuel stations, food joints, phone booths and first aid.
He further informed that MoRTH will issue a directive to the district administration and the state government to not obstruct the vehicles.
“This is proof enough that the check gate is illegal and should not be on national highways. The MoRTH also informed Lok Sabha MLA Vincent Pala who had also raised the issue,” Lamare said.
Further, the association members alleged that police personnel are involved in extortion at Lad Umroi, Ri Bhoi district.
Lamare informed that as per the report from New Delhi, there are four toll gates in Meghalaya that are fully operational and recognised by the government.