Shillong, Oct 7: The Meghalaya Rural Tourism Forum (MRTF) has called on the state government to reconsider a proposed ban on Assam-registered tourist taxis, warning that the measure could damage the state’s tourism sector.

MRTF President Alan West Kharkongor submitted a memorandum to Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, criticizing the ban, proposed by the All Meghalaya Khasi Tourist Taxi Association (AMKTTA), as “legally untenable” and harmful to the local economy.

During an urgent meeting on September 30, MRTF members, including traditional heads and representatives from Ri-Bhoi, Jaintia Hills, and Khasi Hills, unanimously opposed the AMKTTA’s demand to stop Assam-registered taxis. The MRTF argued that such a ban would violate the Constitution’s guarantee of inter-state commerce.

Key Points from the MRTF Memorandum: 

1. Livelihood Impact: While acknowledging AMKTTA’s right to protect local drivers’ interests, the MRTF stressed that banning Assam-registered taxis could cripple tourism and hurt the state’s economy. “We believe that in India, according to the Constitution, we cannot stop anyone from traveling to any part of the country,” said Kharkongor.

2. Legal Violation: The MRTF declared the proposed ban illegal, noting that it would infringe upon the right to free trade and commerce between states, as enshrined in the Constitution.

3. Sikkim Model Unfit for Meghalaya: The forum rejected the suggestion of implementing the Sikkim tourism model, arguing that Meghalaya’s unique position as a transit state for residents from Tripura, Mizoram, and Assam makes the model unsuitable. “More time is needed to study if the Sikkim model would suit our state’s situation,” Kharkongor explained.

4. Equal Access for All: The traditional heads present at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to providing equal access to all tourist vehicles, including those from outside the state. “It has to be fair and square for everyone; any vehicle entering their jurisdiction will be allowed, especially for tourism purposes,” Kharkongor added.

5. Committee Representation: The MRTF called for the inclusion of all stakeholders—including the MRTF, the Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum (MTDF), and the Taxi Operators Association of Meghalaya (TOAM)—in the committee set up to address the issue.

6. Timely Reporting: The MRTF emphasized that the committee should deliver its final recommendations to the government within six months to ensure prompt action.

After his meeting with the tourism minister, Kharkongor briefed the media, saying, “We have requested the state government to include stakeholders in the recently appointed committee headed by Cyril V. Diengdoh, Director of Tourism. The committee must submit recommendations to the government within six months.”

Parking Issues at Guwahati Airport

Kharkongor also highlighted a related concern faced by Meghalaya’s transporters in Guwahati, where taxi drivers from the state encounter parking issues and are subjected to charges. “I have already informed the Tourism Minister about how transporters from Meghalaya are harassed at Guwahati Airport. They don’t have parking space, and even if they don’t get clients, they have to pay charges. This issue can only be resolved by the state government negotiating with airport authorities,” he said.

Government Response 

Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, after meeting with MRTF representatives, acknowledged the conflicting views of the MRTF and AMKTTA. “The government has constituted a committee to examine all concerns. The views presented by the MRTF are contradictory to those of the taxi association, but we will consider all inputs,” said Lyngdoh. He assured that the committee, led by Director of Tourism Cyril V. Diengdoh, would review the situation and submit a report within two weeks, following the Puja holidays.

Lyngdoh added, “We will call all stakeholders, including MRTF, for discussions, and their concerns will be accommodated and examined thoroughly.”

Read: Assam: Dibrugarh puja pandal to showcase national bird ‘Peacock’

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