People's Democracy

MEGHALAYA

Protests Against Hike In Petro Prices Held

THE Meghalaya Joint Council of Trade Unions & Associations (MJCTU&A), an apex body of all the trade unions and associations of the state organised an impressive protest rally at Shillong. Following the call of the joint council, the workers and employees of its different affiliates joined in a rally at the Parking lot, near Shillong. At the call of the MJCTU&A, the members of All Meghalaya Transporters Association and the Assam-Meghalaya Sumo and Indica Association also took part actively in the rally.  Earlier leaders of the MJCTU&A consisting of Shri F Kharkongor, president, and Dr M N Bhattacharjee, vice president and that of Transporters Association submitted a memorandum to Dr Donkupar Roy, chief minister of Meghalaya, urging him to impress upon the central government to roll back the price hike in petroleum products, reduce the customs duty and to cut the share of sales tax imposed on the state government to reduce the burden of common people.

The rally was addressed by N K Chakraborty, advisor, MJCTU&A, J L Das, general secretary, MJCTU&A and other leaders of different sectors.  This was followed by an attractive procession of the workers, employees, teachers, drivers and others through the major thoroughfares of the state capital amidst intense shouting of slogans condemning the retrograde action of the union government and asking to roll back the hike in prices of petroleum products and also to hold the general price rise and inflation.  A resolution was adopted to this effect which shall be forwarded to the prime minister of India and chief minister of Meghalaya.  The rally also took pledge to continue with the struggle to highlight the plight of common people and exposing the attempts of the UPA government in violating its own National Common Minimum Programme.