Meghalaya: Tanker drivers to go on strike from Nov 29 over alleged police harassment

Digital Desk: The North East Petroleum Mazdoor Union (NEPMU) has decided to suspend supplying IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL petroleum products to Meghalaya as of November 29 due to the alleged harassment of oil tanker drivers by Meghalaya Police. 

The Meghalaya Police personnel have been torturing oil tanker drivers and helpers in the Ri Bhoi district (beginning from 18th Mile) since November 24, according to a letter written by the NE Petroleum Mazdoor Union to the Minister of Food, Civil Supply and Consumer Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, on the pretext of malpractices.

The letter states that as of November 29, 2023, "they also decided not to take any load in favour of Meghalaya (Petroleum products) from IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL until the matter is resolved." 

"Since November 24, 2023, Meghalaya Police has been abusing our members—oil tanker drivers and attendants—in the Ri-Bhoi District area under the pretext of malpractices. This abuse began at 18* Mile. Some Tankers left stranded outside the Dhaba for food at 22 Mile were forcibly apprehended to record the cases," stated General Secretary Ramen Das. 

"The police held some loaded tankers without a valid justification the following day as well. The hapless Tanker Crews were thus having issues. In light of the current circumstances, tanker drivers are afraid to enter Meghalaya and carry loads of petroleum products," Das further added to his statement.

"We have information from trustworthy sources that states that if a T/T driver disputes the allegations, the relevant police officers will physically abuse the driver and collect their statement and photo under duress. In contrast, these T/T Crews risk their lives to provide their services to the people of Meghalaya. Additionally, they resolved that starting on November 29, 2023, they would not accept any loads from IOCL, BPCL, or HPCL in support of Meghalaya (Petroleum products) until the issue was resolved," the letter continued.

In a letter, Das stated that authorities may follow the law if any cases involving the workers are discovered to be illegal. Additionally, NEPMU fully cooperates with the authorities. 

However, he continued, no innocent individual should be hounded in the name of malpractices or other offences.