Meghalaya: Oil tanker drivers’ strike tomorrow, Minister says sufficient fuel in stock

The Union would call off the strike only if the State government offers a solution to resolve the matter, said NEPMU General Secretary

The North East Petroleum Mazdoor Union (NEPMU) will go on an indefinite strike from tomorrow halting transportation of fuel – petrol and diesel to as many as 6 districts of Meghalaya over alleged harassment of oil tanker drivers and helpers accusing them of malpractices by the Meghalaya Police.

Speaking exclusively to Northeast Live, Ramen Das, General Secretary of NEPMU said that the strike would be effective in six districts of Meghalaya–East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, East Jaintia Hills, West Jaintia Hills, Ri-Bhoi and South West Khasi Hills.
Das said that NEPMU would call off the strike only if the State government hold talks with them and offer a solution to resolve the matter.

Ramen Das said, “Based on some reports of misconduct at some petrol stations and workers being engaged in fraud activity, Meghalaya Police have been picking drivers along with the filled oil tankers and harassing them. If any such malpractices are going on in any petrol stations, we are willing to cooperate with the Police, but the current actions of the police are unfair.”

The Union said “since November 24, the Meghalaya Police have been torturing oil tanker drivers and their helpers in the name of malpractices in Ri-Bhoi district”.

The Union had written a letter to Meghalaya Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister, Comingone Ymbon seeking assurance from him that such harassment from the Police stops immediately and the drivers and helpers are able to work in peace and without fear.

The Minister has invited the Union leaders for a meeting tomorrow in Nonpoh. The Minister has also assured that the state has enough stock of petrol and diesel in case the talks fail and the Union decides to go ahead with the strike.

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