Meghalaya government today directed the petrol outlets in the state to install close circuit television (CCTV) cameras to fend off attackers especially in the militant-hit Garo Hills region.
The state government has also assured intensified patrolling by armed police personnel in vulnerable areas following which the Assam-based petroleum transporter has also called off their proposed strike from August 18, Home Minister Roshan Warjri said.
"We have decided to ask all deputy commissioners to ensure that installation of CCTVs is made mandatory in all the petrol outlets in the state especially in the Garo Hills region," the Home Minister told reporters after a meeting with leaders of the Assam Petroleum Mazdoor Union (APMU).
She said though it was not possible for the state to provide armed guards at all outlets, patrolling by armed police personnel would be intensified in vulnerable areas.
Requesting the outlet owners and the companies to make use of private security as and when needed, the Home Minister also assured that the police will ensure that the law and order is maintained at all time.
According to Meghalaya Home minister, the petroleum transporters have also agreed to withdraw their proposed strike scheduled from August 18.
The APMU had earlier this week announced their decision to stop transportation of all petroleum products to Meghalaya from Monday next week demanding 'tight security' covers to their members especially in the Garo Hills region.
The strike was announced in the wake of the murder of Bittu Patel, a worker of an oil depot in the outskirts of West Garo Hills district headquarters at Bokmagre on August 12, who was shot dead by two motorcycle-borne youths.
While no arrest has been made so far in this regard, the Home Minister assured the union leaders that the police are making all effort to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.
"We are also beefing up security in the Garo Hills region and all over the state to ensure such incident do not occur in the near future," she said.
Over 100 oil tankers enter the state on a daily basis and over 60 trucks are designated to the Garo Hills region.
