Shillong, July 20: Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem has said that the number of illegal toll gates in Ri-Bhoi district, particularly along the National Highway, has significantly declined in recent years. He credited the improvement to the government’s efforts to regulate checkpoints and ensure that only authorised entry and exit points are used for inspecting vehicles and goods.
“Fifteen years ago, it was common to come across multiple unregulated checkpoints even on national highways. These often led to extortion-like practices,” Syiem said. “But today, the situation has improved a lot.”
He acknowledged that stray incidents may still occur but noted a “visible change on the ground,” adding that most illegal toll gates that once operated openly are no longer present.
According to him, government departments such as the Forest and GST now operate designated mobile posts and fixed checkpoints to monitor the transport of goods, especially forest products and raw materials.
“There may be isolated incidents here and there, but overall, there are no illegal toll gates visible along the highway stretch that falls under my constituency,” Syiem said, citing his personal visits and field observations.
He emphasised the need for vigilance even over authorised mobile checking units to prevent misuse. “These mobile units are supposed to function under clear government instructions. We must ensure they do not overstep or turn into something else.”
Syiem added that the state government remains serious about curbing illegal toll collection and promoting transparency. “The goal is to keep enforcement in check and ensure only legitimate monitoring takes place,” he said.
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