Williamnagar, June 10: The District Transport Office (DTO) of Williamnagar remained closed on June 10 following a picketing protest by the Garo Students’ Union (GSU), East Zone.

The protestors demanded immediate removal of District Transport Officer John Bugner M. Marak, citing multiple complaints regarding his alleged misbehaviour and frequent absence from duty.

Speaking to Hub News, GSU East Zone leaders, Secretary Alex D. Shira and President Goera R. Sangma, said complaints against the DTO have been registered since last year. Despite repeated attempts by senior citizens and community leaders to advise the officer to carry out his duties properly, no improvement was seen, prompting the GSU to take this action.

The union alleged that the DTO spends most of his working hours inside his official quarters and rarely attends the office. They further claimed that he frequently performs his duties from home, is sometimes found in an intoxicated state, and uses inappropriate and disrespectful language when dealing with members of the public. The GSU also alleged that he had mistreated their members during past encounters.

Calling such behaviour unacceptable and intolerable, the GSU President appealed to other government officials in East Garo Hills to treat the public with dignity and professionalism. They added that if their concerns are not addressed, the picketing will continue.

Transport Officer John Bugner M. Marak denied all allegations. He told that he is available in Williamnagar even on weekends and has served the district in various departments for nearly 15 years without any prior complaints.

He believes the issue may stem from misunderstandings, asserting that he regularly attends office and that departmental revenue collection has improved during his tenure, something he considers proof of his dedication.

On allegation of him being intoxicated on duty, the officer has denied it. “Sometimes people visit me at my quarters early in the morning, which is a reason I get delayed to work occasionally”, he clarified on him accused of being late to office.

Regarding the GSU’s demand for his transfer, Marak responded that, as a government servant, he has been transferred multiple times before and that any decision on the matter will rest with higher authorities.

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