Prohibitory orders imposed in Shillong

Shillong, Feb 16 (UNI) In view of the proposed indefinite night road blockade in Meghalaya, the administration today clamped section 144 Cr P C prohibiting road blockade on the district.

The promulgation order came soon after the Joint Action Coordination Committee (JACC) of transport associations called an indefinite night road blockade from 1900 hrs to 0600 hrs from February 21.

The order was to ensure smooth flow of traffic in the state and banning carrying of arms and lethal weapons, District Magistrate B Dhar said.

The JACC blockade would affect the state including the National Highways No 40 and 44, which is the lifeline of Mizoram, Tripura, Barak Valley of Asom and parts of Manipur, JACC chairman Augustine Shanpru told reporters here today.

The JACC, a conglomerate of various transport associations, imposed the blockade after the ruling Congress-led government failed to decide on the new rate of the high security registration plate (HSRP) as suggested by them.

The state government has fixed Rs 2000 for the registration plates, while the JACC suggested that the rate be Rs 825 for heavy vehicle and Rs 425 to Rs 460 for small and light vehicles.

''We are not against implementation of the HSRP in Meghalaya, but against the astronomical rates fixed by the government,'' Mr Shanpru said.

He said the JACC had taken up the matter with the government on several occasions, but it had failed to implement our demands.

''If the government continues to remain adamant on this issue, we have no option but to intensify our agitation,'' Mr Shanpru said.

The HSRP was made mandatory in line with the direction of the Centre, which had already taken effect in Meghalaya from last August. Meghalaya became the pioneer state to have achieved this task in the country.

UNI