Shillong, Sept 9: The All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) has launched their ‘Black Flag Week’ protest on Monday, which will continue from September 9-14, urging local taxi drivers to display black flags in opposition to out-of-state vehicles ferrying tourists to the state’s popular tourist destinations.
AKMTTA had previously criticized Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh for failing to act on their demand to restrict non-local vehicles, after meeting with him in July.
In response, Tourism Minister Lyngdoh advocated for unity and asked the various associations to come together under a single umbrella to bring their demands to the government, which can be discussed.
“It’s important that the various associations come under a single platform. Around 60% of drivers don’t belong to any association, and the remaining 40% are split into several groups. How do you engage with such a large number of factions when there’s no uniform approach?” he said.
He also pointed out an imbalance in the market, explaining, “The law of demand and supply is in effect. There is currently a shortfall of roughly 3,000 vehicles to ferry tourists within Meghalaya.”
He further said two stakeholders-level meetings have been held with various groups connected to the tourism sector, including transporters, hoteliers, homestay owners, drivers’ associations, and guides. During these discussions, several issues were flagged.
Addressing regional cooperation, the minister added, “It’s crucial for local transporters and taxi drivers to open discussions with their counterparts in Assam. Today, it’s a fact that Meghalaya depends more on tourists from Assam than the other way around. The main airport, railway station, and best hospitals in the region are in Guwahati. Our professionals work across Assam. It’s a sensitive issue, and they must approach it carefully, ensuring they don’t harm their own interests in the process of demanding more.”
The AKMTTA had previously requested a ban on non-local vehicles going beyond Shillong and accessing tourist spots in Meghalaya.
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