After the Petrol Mazdoor Union had threatened to carry out a strike in the State following an alleged Mistreatment by the Ri-bhoi police, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has categorically stated that Meghalaya police personnel were not harassing anybody, it is a complete misconception.”……the police were only doing their duty to ensure that the petroleum products which were meant to come to the state should be 100 percent and come in totality,” Sangma said.
Disclosing that the government had received several complaints from the Petrol Pump owners in Ri Bhoi district, alleging siphoning or leakage of fuel at certain spots, following which the Meghalaya Police initiated action against the tankers supplying fuel to these pumps.
“..while doing their duty, police found some evidence of petroleum products being siphoned off or taken away, and the investigation and action followed,” Sangma said.
Meanwhile, following their meeting with the state Government at Nongpoh, the Petrol and diesel tankers under the banner of North East Petroleum Mazdoor Union (NEPMU) have called off their strike. The meeting was chaired by Pravin Bakshi, Commissioner & Secretary food and Civil supplies, Government of Meghalaya. After the meeting, Bakshi said the meeting was fruitful.
“In the course of the meeting many issues were raised with regards to the welfare of the Mazdoor Union, all the drivers, handymen and there were issues with regards to IOCL, BPCL and how they can give better packages to them to support them. From the side of the Government we will support that the basic minimum wages, Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), and upholding statutory rights should be given to the Mazdoor Union,” Bakshi said.
The Commissioner & Secretary also said, “We strongly feel that there should not be any kind of irregularity because oil tankers should move smoothly.”
Ramen Das, the General Secretary of North East Petroleum Mazdoor Union (NEPMU) expressed gratitude to the government for facilitating the meeting. He clarified that the strike had not been initiated and attributed the confusion to the premature leak of the union’s letter to the public.