The All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) has announced a public rally to be held on September 18 at Malki Ground, Shillong, in protest of the state government’s stance on tourism and local transport. The rally aims to unite taxi drivers and associations across Meghalaya and to challenge the ongoing practice of Assam-based cabs ferrying tourists to local spots within the state.
This move comes after remarks made by Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, who stated that many taxi drivers in the state are unaffiliated with any official association. The AKMTTA has strongly criticized this comment, calling it misleading and emphasizing the unity among taxi drivers in their opposition to Assam tourist vehicles operating in Meghalaya.
Ricaldinus Dohling, president of the AKMTTA, stressed the collective demand to ban Assam-based taxis from accessing Meghalaya’s tourist destinations. “We are going to show our unity in the public rally,” Dohling stated. The event follows a week-long black flag protest by the association, which ended on Saturday.
Dohling also responded to the tourism minister’s claim that Assam generates significant revenue for Meghalaya, criticizing the government for failing to develop its own sustainable revenue streams. He pointed out the state’s heavy reliance on Assam for essential services, particularly healthcare. “It seems like the state government prefers to rely on Assam for everything, be it health or education,” Dohling remarked, highlighting the financial burden on Meghalaya’s citizens who frequently travel to Guwahati for medical treatment.
The AKMTTA’s rally serves as a direct challenge to the state government’s policies, which the association believes harm local taxi drivers and undermine the state’s economy. In addition to demanding a ban on Assam tourist vehicles, the association is calling for the development of a self-sufficient revenue model for Meghalaya.
