Northeast Desk, 28th November: In response to reported incidents of alleged harassment by Meghalaya Police towards oil tanker drivers, the North East Petroleum Mazdoor Union (NEPMU) has taken the decision to cease the supply of petroleum products from IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL to Meghalaya starting November 29.
Expressing their concerns, NE Petroleum Mazdoor Union conveyed in a letter addressed to the Minister of Food, Civil Supply and Consumer Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, that since November 24, Meghalaya Police personnel have been subjecting oil tanker drivers and helpers to mistreatment in Ri Bhoi district, particularly in the vicinity of 18th Mile, under the guise of addressing malpractices.
The letter stated, “They also decided not to take any load in favour of Meghalaya (Petroleum products) from IOCL, BPCL and HPCL from 29th November, 2023 till the matter is resolved.”
General Secretary Ramen Das expressed the union’s perspective, emphasizing that while they are willing to cooperate with authorities in case of any proven wrongdoing by their members, the indiscriminate harassment of innocent individuals in the name of malpractices is unacceptable. Das highlighted the challenges faced by tanker crews who, despite taking risks to provide essential services to the people of Meghalaya, are now hesitant to load petroleum products and enter the state due to the prevailing situation.
“We have got report from reliable sources that if any T/T Driver deny the allegation then concerned Police personals physically tortured the Driver and forcefully taken statement and photograph also. Where as these T/T Crews serving their services to the people of Meghalaya taking live risk. They also decided not to take any load in favour of Meghalaya (Petroleum products) from IOCL, BPCL and HPCL from 29th November, 2023 till the matter is resolved”, added the letter.
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