Meghalaya Assurances Safety of Vehicles Transporting Fuels

SHILLONG: Following the unrest across the state, the Department of Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs of the state of Meghalaya has taken steps towards the safeguarding of fuel tankers in the state.

Following the firing incident earlier this week, violence erupted in several parts of the state. The vehicles bearing registration plates from neighbouring Assam have been the main targets for miscreants in the last few days. Several drivers who took passengers to the hill state reported stone pelting and other attacks. Some incidents even highlighted that some people tried to torch their vehicles with petrol bombs.

Following these developments, the Assam Petroleum Mazdoor Union informed the fuel companies of the country namely Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd., Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. that they will not be transporting petroleum products to the state of Meghalaya. Their fear for their life and property was the main cause of this course of action. They had also informed the companies that this prohibition will stay in place till the government of Meghalaya takes full responsibility in case of any untoward incident.

Soon afterwards, Pravin Bakshi, the Director of Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs gave a reply regarding this problem. He wrote to the Assam Petroleum Mazdoor Union and ensured ample protection and security while transporting fuel in the state of Meghalaya.

All the Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police in Meghalaya have also received instructions to take all the necessary steps to safeguard such vehicles. The director also asked the police department to make arrangements for patrolling and providing police escorts to trucks carrying fuel and other essential commodities.

The situation still remains grim in the state as miscreants attacked police and CRPF personnel during a protest in the capital city of Shillong. An extension has been issued on the ban on mobile internet and non-tribal students in the city have been instructed to stay indoors.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya mentioned that the state has ample amounts of fuel in their stocks and asked its citizens to resort to panic buying and stocking of fuel.

Also Read: Meghalaya: Petrol Bombs Hurled at Security Forces in Capital City

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