Meghalaya Mahila Congress protests against fuel price rise

SHILLONG

: The

Meghalaya

Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee on Saturday staged a demonstration at the Congress Bhavan on Thana Road to protest against the increase in fuel prices.


The women's wing of the state congress shouted slogans and displayed placards, slamming the Centre and demanding that the prices are reduced soon. 'The voice of the poor will reverberate across the country' and 'No More price hike' were some of the messages on placards as the committee members said the price rise has badly hurt the poor people across the county.

Talking to the media, president of the Mahila Congress, Joplin Scott Shylla, pointed out that the steep rise in the price of

petroleum

products has affected the people and the BJP-led NDA government should bring down the prices soon.

Shylla also asked how fuel can be so expensive in the country when petroleum products are being exported for low prices to other countries.

While speaking to reporters recently, chief minister Conrad K Sangma had said the rate of VAT imposed on petrol in Meghalaya was one of the lowest in the country.

He had also ruled out demands to lower taxes on petrol and diesel in the state.

The petrol price is dependent on the market forces and that there is no direct subsidy from the Centre, he had said.

"The state government is under financial pressure and it may not be advisable to look into this aspect now," the chief minister had said, even as he had acknowledged the fact that the rise in fuel prices was a matter of concern.

Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.