SHILLONG, Nov 5: The Meghalaya government has reiterated that it cannot impose transportation rates for cement and clinker in other states, even as the MCTODA strike continues to disrupt movement of goods.

Transport Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said the government has notified rates within Meghalaya, but extending these to states like Assam is beyond its authority. “The state government cannot notify rates on behalf of other states,” he clarified.

MCTODA, protesting the rate disparity of Rs 9 per km within Meghalaya versus Rs 5 per km outside, has halted transportation of cement and clinker. Dhar urged the association to understand the jurisdictional limits and resolve the matter through dialogue, calling it a business issue between cement plants and transporters.

He confirmed that 2–3 arrests have been made in connection with the Mawryngkneng incident, and police investigations are ongoing.