Shillong, Nov 6: Four persons were arrested for being involved in a violent clash between agitating truck operators and police at Mawryngkneng junction in East Khasi Hills in the wee hours of Wednesday.
The confrontation took place as around 200 people, primarily members of Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTODA), obstructed a convoy of cement and clinker laden trucks escorted by police.
“Around four to five persons have been arrested,” Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters on Wednesday.
He stated that more arrests may be made as and when necessary.
“We’ve entrusted the issue to the district administration and police to take action under relevant laws,” Tynsong said while urging all concerns to respect boundaries.
The MCTODA has been opposing cement companies’ failure to implement government rates for transportation of cement and clinker.
East Jaintia Hills administration has convened meetings, and cement companies have agreed to follow state-notified rates within Meghalaya.
“However, we can’t notify rates beyond our state’s boundary, as it’s a central Act. Protesters insist on rates beyond our jurisdiction, which isn’t feasible,” Tynsong said.
Tynsong appealed to protesters to change their approach, urging them to engage in dialogue with the district administration rather than disrupting traffic flow along the national highway.
He warned that continued blockades would not be tolerated, and police action would be taken to maintain order.
“Police action aims to convey that dialogue requires a different approach; disrupting national highway traffic isn’t advisable,” he added.
