Police Fire Tear Gas on NH‑6 Truckers’ Blockade After Arrests of Four Leaders

Officials weigh restrictions on gatherings as the state pledges talks to resolve the truckers’ pay‑rate dispute with cement plants.

Overview

Police used tear gas and lathi charge at Mawryngkneng to clear protesters from the Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners’ and Drivers’ Association blocking cement and clinker trucks.
MCTODA has been on an indefinite strike since October 27 over alleged non‑payment of government‑notified transport rates by Jaintia Hills cement plants.
Four people, including association president Mokslander Marngar, were arrested, and security escorts were arranged to move stranded vehicles on the highway.
Witnesses said a tear gas shell struck a tourist taxi carrying a patient and alleged police seized the vehicle’s key; the patient was later taken to Shillong by ambulance.
Local groups and an MLA condemned what they called excessive force and sought an investigation, while the district considers invoking Section 163 to curb assemblies and the deputy chief minister urges dialogue.