Is it constitutionally right to stop Assam-registered vehicles from entering Meghalaya? What are the demands of the Tourist Taxis’ Association? How will the government of Meghalaya respond to this demand? What is the stand of the Meghalaya Rural Tourism Forum?
Over the past few days, discussions have been rife about the decision of the All Meghalaya Khasi Tourist Taxi Association (AMKTTA) to call for a ban on Assam-registered tourist taxis entering the state.
Recently, the AKMTTA emphasized the association’s demand for a ban on Assam tourist vehicles, accusing the state government of failing to support local drivers.
However, the Meghalaya Rural Tourism Forum (MRTF) objected to this demand, feeling that it infringed on the constitutional rights of Indian citizens.
Ricaldinus Dohling, president of AKMTTA, agreed that there will be ripple effects on Meghalaya vehicles traveling to Assam but that will be “temporary”.
“But if the government is serious about this issue, it would call us for talks because we have ideas and strategies on how to go about this issue. The government kept on reiterating the problem, when will this problem end? We have to come out with a solution that is favourable to us also,” Dohling said.
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Meanwhile, MRTF Chairman Alan West Kharkongor has disagreed with the AMKTTA and argued that according to the Constitution, one cannot stop anyone from traveling to any part of India.
“As of now, commuters and tourist drivers from Meghalaya are being harassed in Guwahati Airport. They cannot park their vehicles in the designated areas and they cannot enter the state because if they enter irrespective of whether they get a client or not, they have to pay a set of charges and this affects their income,” Kharkongor said.
The MRTF had on September 30 convened a meeting of tourism stakeholders, including the traditional heads of Ri Bhoi, Khasi Hills, and Jaintia Hills following the protest called by AMKTTA.
Regarding AMKTTA’s statement about replicating the Sikkim model, the MRTF chief said, “To introduce or replicate the Sikkim model in Meghalaya requires research. The State Government has to study whether the Sikkim model will suit the situation in our State.”
He further informed that the headmen who attended the September 30 meeting have decided to allow vehicles coming from outside the State to the respected tourist destinations. “They (headmen) mentioned that the process must be fair to everyone. Any vehicle entering their jurisdiction should be allowed especially for tourism purposes,” Kharkongor added.
The meeting has also requested the State Government to include stakeholders in the Assembly-appointed committee headed by Cyril V. Darlong Diengdoh, who is the Director of Tourism. “This committee has to recommend to the State Government within 6 months,” he added.
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