Minister Incharge of Excise, Government of Meghalaya, Kyrmen Shylla, on Monday informed that the Assam Excise department has halted the issuance of transit passes to Meghalaya without prior communication.
After holding a meeting with the state Excise Department, Shylla said, this disruption is causing significant difficulties for the Meghalaya government, particularly in the transportation of excise materials to Garo Hills.
During a media briefing in Shillong, Shylla explained, “Our department faces a problem that was previously not an issue. We need transit passes through Assam to send materials, especially to the Garo Hills. However, Assam has stopped issuing these passes without providing a reason. We are now taking steps to address this disruption.”
Shylla mentioned that the state government is taking measures to resolve the issue; including issuing a Demi Official letter and having the Chief Secretary send a similar communication to the Assam Excise department. Despite ongoing efforts by Meghalaya officers to seek clarification, the exact reason for the suspension of transit passes remains unclear.
The Minister emphasized the cordial relationship between the Assam and Meghalaya governments and expressed hope that the situation could be resolved amicably. “I believe even here also, it’s just a transit pass, because no doubt they also require the transit bus when it comes to the high national highway to reach to the other part of Assam. So we have never do any kind of disturbance with them and even they also I didn’t consider it as a disturbance but just maybe a few things needs to be done from our part.”
“I would like to request the Assam government, especially the excise department to kindly support us because there’s no solution in stopping our transit pass, but that will help if they show us what needs to be done from apart so that we can work hand in hand,” the Minister added.