No Fuel For Meghalaya Until Govt Assures Safety: Assam Petroleum Mazdur Union To Oil Companies

The Union, in its letter, said that the situation in certain areas in the state remains tense and its members are afraid to go to the mentioned areas.

New Delhi: The Assam Petroleum Mazdoor Union has stopped the transportation of fuel to Meghalaya after the firing incident along the Assam-Meghalaya border that killed six people. 

The Union sent letters to PSU oil marketing companies informing them of their decision to not load fuel in tankers, reported ANI. 

"It has been brought to our notice that in Meghalaya mainly Ri-Bhoi, Khasi Hills & Jaintia Hills districts the situation remains abnormal. Our members are afraid to go to the above-mentioned area for supplying petroleum products," the Union said in the letter. 

"Therefore, we have decided not to take any load from today onwards until and unless the Government of Meghalaya assures them of the safety and security of T/T (tank trucks) crews," the letter further reads. 

Six individuals were reportedly killed and several more were wounded following an alleged altercation on Tuesday afternoon between locals and a group made up of Assamese police and forest guards. The reported altercation allegedly took place near the West Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya and the West Karbi Anglong region of Assam. An Assamese forest guard was one of those who died. 

READ: Situation Tense But Peaceful Along Violence-Hit Assam-Meghalaya Border

Meghalaya quickly shut off mobile internet access for 48 hours in seven state districts following the tragedy. Meghalaya's West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, Eastern West Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, and South West Khasi Hills districts have had their telecom and social media services taken down. 

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Thursday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the issue. After the meeting, CM Sangma said, "Union Home Minister has assured inquiry to be constituted under a central agency," news agency ANI reported.  

 Addressing the press, Meghalaya CM said, "In our meeting with Union Home Minister, we emphasised that the supply of essential commodities into Meghalaya should not be disrupted, and full support should be there from the neighbouring states."