JACC leaders arrested, withdraws 60 hour-road blockade in Meghalaya

Shillong, Apr 16 (UNI) The Joint Action Coordination Committee (JACC) today withdrew its proposed 60-hour road blockade in Meghalaya from tomorrow following the arrest of its seven leaders.

JACC chairman Augustine Shanpru and Hynniewtrep National Youth Front president G H Kharshanlor and five others were arrested yesterday and booked under the Meghalaya Prevention Detention Act (MPDA).

''We have decided to withdraw following the government decision to review the rates of the High Security Registration Plate (HSRP),'' Civil Society Women's Organisation chairperson Irene Hujon told UNI here today.

Yesterday, the government said it would review the rate fixed for the HSRP and try to resolve the issue with the JACC.

The JACC, a conglomerate of various transport associations and NGOs, had planned to put up a road blockade after the ruling Congress-led government failed to decide on the new HSRP rates suggested by the JACC.

The government had fixed Rs 2000 for the registration plates, while the JACC suggested Rs 825 for heavy vehicles and Rs 425 and Rs 460 for small and light vehicles respectively.

The proposed blockade from 0600 hours tomorrow was to disrupt traffic on the state's Khasi-Jaintia hills, including the NH 40 and 44, the life-line of Mizoram, Tripura, Barak Valley of Asom and parts of Manipur.

Inspector General of Police S B Singh said the JACC leaders were arrested for trying to disrupt the normal functioning in the state.

UNI