Meghalaya Cement Crisis Deepens as Truckers’ Strike Halts Supplies Since Oct 27

Shillong: Cement and clinker shipments from Meghalaya’s Jaintia Hills have ground to a complete halt since October 27, triggered by an indefinite strike by the Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTODA), creating severe shortages across the state and the wider Northeast.

MCTODA is insisting that Meghalaya’s government-fixed freight rates be enforced for interstate haulage to Assam and beyond—a demand the state has rejected as legally untenable, since it cannot dictate pricing for other states.

East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Shivansh Awasthi revealed Thursday that the district administration launched immediate talks after the strike call. A key October 30 meeting in Khliehriat included the Jaintia Hills Cement Manufacturers Association (JHCMA), Jaintia Hills Truck Owners Association (JHTOA), and East Jaintia Hills Truck Owners and Transporters Association (EJHTOTA)—but MCTODA boycotted despite invitations.

JHTOA and EJHTOTA affirmed full operational continuity with cement factories, disavowed the strike in writing, and pledged uninterrupted services. JHCMA confirmed that intrastate rates set by Meghalaya are already fully honoured.

Awasthi stressed that MCTODA’s push to extend these rates interstate contravenes the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Despite concessions on secondary issues, the group has sustained road blockades on NH-6, impeding essential traffic and sparking reports of vehicle vandalism and driver intimidation.

East Khasi Hills Police have intervened to dismantle obstructions, safeguard commuters, and protect non-striking operators. The administration vows continued multi-stakeholder dialogue to secure a lawful, equitable resolution while prioritising public safety, traffic flow, and transporters’ livelihoods.