Meghalaya guarantees the safety of vehicles transporting fuel

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• Nov 25, 2022 | Dhupali Das

Some incidents also highlighted that some people attempted to torch their vehicles with petrol bombs...

Digital Desk: Following the violence in the state, Meghalaya's Department of Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs has taken measures to protect the fuel tankers in the state.

Following the firing incident earlier this week, unrest erupted in several parts of the state. In the last few days, miscreants have primarily targeted vehicles with registration plates from neighbouring Assam. Several drivers who took passengers to the hill state reported stone pelting and other attacks. Some incidents also highlighted that some people attempted to torch their vehicles with petrol bombs.

After these incidents, the Assam Petroleum Mazdoor Union told the country's fuel companies, including Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd., Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd., and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., that they would not transport petroleum products to Meghalaya. The main reason for this course of action was their concern for their lives and property. They also informed the corporations that the prohibition would remain in effect until the government of Meghalaya accepted full responsibility for any adverse incidents.

Soon after, Pravin Bakshi, the Director of Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, responded to this issue. He wrote to the Assam Petroleum Mazdoor Union and promised to provide adequate protection and security while transporting fuel in Meghalaya.

All Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police in Meghalaya have also been directed to take all necessary precautions to protect such vehicles. The director also asked that the police department develop plans for patrolling and giving police escorts to vehicles delivering fuel and other necessary 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. The ban on mobile internet has been extended, and non-tribal students in the city have been told to stay indoors.

Meanwhile, Meghalaya's chief minister Conrad Sangma stated that the state had sufficient fuel supplies and urged residents not to panic buy and store fuel.