Assam cabbies react to Meghalaya Khasi taxi body's call to ban outside cabs: 'We too will...'

Cab drivers from Assam have expressed their concerns over the All Khasi Meghalaya Taxi Association's (AKMTA) demand to ban cabs from outside Meghalaya. This proposed ban, aimed at protecting local drivers from perceived unfair competition, has sparked widespread discussions across state borders.

 

Speaking to IndiaTodayNE, several cab drivers from Guwahati's Paltan Bazar, who highlighted the potential repercussions of the proposed ban.

 

"The government has not yet announced a ban on cabs from outside, it is still only a demand from the cab association in Meghalaya. So, the government should take the correct decision on it. If they ban us, we too will ban Meghalaya cab drivers from entering Assam," said one taxi driver.

 

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Another driver echoed this sentiment, stating, "The cab drivers in Meghalaya demand that they will not allow us to take passengers to tourist destinations in Meghalaya. We request Assam CM and Meghalaya CM to discuss this and reach a middle ground."

 

Highlighting the impact on their livelihoods, a cab driver remarked, "We are running our entire family from what we earn from driving our cabs. If this ban comes into action, it will cut off our only means of livelihood."

 

"We are already paying road taxes to the Meghalaya government and we have a valid permit for that state. We have all rights to take passengers to Meghalaya," added another driver.

 

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The concerns voiced by Assam's cab drivers offer a nuanced perspective on the issue. The economic ties between Assam and Meghalaya are strong, with many drivers relying on opportunities in both states. A potential ban could disrupt these ties and negatively impact the livelihoods of many.

 

While the Meghalaya government has not yet issued an official response to the AKMTA's demands, discussions are reportedly underway to address the issues from drivers of both the states.