Shillong: Two major trucking groups in Meghalaya are denying claims that they are shaking down owners for cash. The Joint Action Committee of the East Jaintia Hills Truck Owners and Transporters Association and the Jaintia Hills Truck Owners Association rejected reports that they demanded 1,000 rupees per truck for a July 1 event. The gathering at the State Library will honor Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and two other state ministers. The groups claim they will fund the entire show from their own bank accounts.
Despite these denials, an internal appeal obtained by The Shillong Times shows a different story. The document, signed by JHTOA leaders, lists eight conditions for members. One rule requires every truck owner to pony up 1,000 rupees to fund the felicitation ceremony. Another rule mandates that a representative from every truck must show up or face a six-month suspension. Organizers plan to take attendance twice to ensure compliance. They will also stop issuing loading slips for the day to force participation.
Association leaders called the reports of forced collections a malicious attempt to ruin their reputation. They told members to ignore the gossip. However, anonymous truck owners see the situation differently. They described the move as a "shakedown" and questioned why these demands are tied to a recent government tax relief measure.
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