The truckers under the banner of All North East Truck Owners’ and Operators’ Association (ANECTOOA) also accused the ruling Congress-led Meghalaya United Alliance (MUA) coalition government of failing to check the extortion racket which run into several lakhs.
The NH- 62 connects Meghalaya’s Garo Hills and Assam besides Shahlang-Riangdo-Athiabari road in West Khasi Hills.
“We will meet the UPA chairperson (Sonia) and ask her to initiate a CBI probe into the extortion racket. We have lost trust in the Meghalaya government,” ANECTOOA leader Augustine Shanpru said.
Stating that the previous DD Lapang-led government had dismantled all illegal check gates on NH-62 on the directive of Ms Gandhi, the ANECTOOA leader said, “ the new regime (Mukul Sangma-led government) appears to have given oxygen to extortionist with 29 illegal toll gates sprang up again on NH 62.”
“These toll gates are protected by armed men and forced us (truckers) to pay Rs 3,200 per truck per trip amounting to Rs 62 crore,” Shanpru said.
He said a CBI probe is necessary to unravel facts regarding the involvement of some politicians in Meghalaya who are hand-in-glove with people who are manning the illegal check gates.
Earlier, the truckers have also met Meghalaya Governor RS Mooshahary and urged him to direct the Meghalaya government to initiate CBI probe into the rampant illegal collection of money from coal laden trucks.
In the just concluded Assembly session, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said that the government will adopt zero tolerance and action will be taken against the illegal gates.