East Jaintia, April 28: Star Cement has agreed to key demands put forward by the Joint Action Committee (JAC), leading to the release of its trucks, even as protests continue against Dalmia Cement and the use of bulk carrier trucks in East Jaintia Hills.
The development followed a high-level meeting convened by East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Manish Kumar, IAS, on April 27, in the presence of Superintendent of Police Vivekanand Singh, IPS, along with representatives of Star Cement, Dalmia Cement, and members of the JAC.
During the meeting, Star Cement conceded to the JAC’s demands and agreed to allow 9 trips per day for JAC-affiliated trucks. Of these, 7 trips carrying cement or clinker will be routed to Khadlai Mer and Sonapur, while 2 trips carrying only cement will be sent to Silchar. The company also assured that there would be no undue delays in loading or unloading of trucks.
Following this assurance, the JAC, in an emergency general meeting held on Tuesday, decided to lift restrictions on Star Cement’s trucks with immediate effect.
However, Dalmia Cement has not yet taken a decision on the demands raised by the JAC. As a result, the committee has resolved to continue blocking and turning back all trucks carrying cement and clinker linked to Dalmia Cement.
The JAC further warned that it would intensify its agitation if Dalmia Cement fails to respond positively to its demands.
Meanwhile, the ongoing protest against the use of bulk carrier trucks by cement factories in the district will continue. The JAC stated that monitoring, interception, and return of such vehicles will remain in force daily, and stricter measures may be adopted if the use of bulker trucks is not discontinued.
The protest is being spearheaded by the JAC, comprising the East Jaintia Hills Truck Owner and Transporter Association and the Jaintia Hills Truck Owners’ Association.
