Shillong: Meghalaya’s tourist taxi associations on Sunday suspended their stir against the entry of Assam-registered vehicles into the state until September 10 after deputy CM in-charge of transport Sniawbhalang Dhar assured them that their grievances will be addressed.The associations had decided not to enter Assam or allow Assam tourist vehicles into Meghalaya following their alleged harassment in the neighbouring state after the Aug 19 violence in Shillong.“The associations have flagged some important issues which they have faced for the last few months and years regarding problems they encounter as soon as they enter Assam. We listened to their problems and their concerns are very genuine,” Dhar said.He said he would convene a meeting with the transport commissioners of Assam and Meghalaya in the presence of representatives of tourist taxi associations from both states.“We have decided that by September 10, I will convene a meeting at my level with the commissioners of transport of Assam and Meghalaya, in presence of members of all tourist taxi associations of both states, and we will try to resolve all problems faced by drivers during their movement to Guwahati and other parts of Assam,” he said.Dhar said peace should be restored following the recent unrest. “We have mutually agreed that we will continue to ply as usual from today. We will discuss with the Assam side and hope to get a positive response from both states. From this moment, we will move freely as before. After September 10, we will again take a call,” he said.On compensation for vehicles damaged during the August 19 violence, Dhar said, “The govt will take care of it as per law. We have sought details on the number of damaged vehicles from both Assam and Meghalaya sides”.The meeting was attended by senior home department officials, deputy commissioners and superintendents of police of East Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi districts and representatives of tourist taxi associations.
