BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 16th January 2026: Tensions have escalated between two factions of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) after auto drivers from Melaghar alleged that their vehicles were being barred from operating on Kakraban routes despite holding valid permits.
A group of aggrieved auto drivers today met Motor Vehicles Inspector (MVI) Subrata Debbarma of Sepahijala district to submit a written complaint. Unable to find him at his office, the drivers intercepted Debbarma on the national highway where he was engaged in vehicle checks, and handed over their grievances.
According to the complaint, the Kakraban BMS branch has imposed restrictions preventing Melaghar autos from plying on its roads. Drivers claim that although they possess valid permits for the Melaghar–Kakraban route via Taibandal, the Kakraban branch refuses to issue them route numbers, effectively denying them access.
Leaders of the Melaghar BMS and auto unions accused the Kakraban branch of “gross irregularities and unethical practices.” They alleged that while electric autos are being admitted into the Kakraban branch, CNG autos with valid permits are being excluded. This, they said, has severely impacted the livelihoods of Melaghar auto drivers and their families.
Earlier, Melaghar BMS leaders had raised the issue with the state Chief Minister, urging immediate intervention to stop what they described as “unlawful activities” by the Kakraban branch. Despite repeated appeals, the situation remains unresolved.
Melaghar BMS president Biplab Majumder, bus and jeep secretary Babul Mia, and auto union secretary Sudip Das highlighted the matter at a recent meeting, demanding an end to Kakraban’s discriminatory practices. On Friday, Majumder, accompanied by leaders Sujit Das, Piyush Das, and Toton Saha, reiterated their concerns to the media, stating that MVI Subrata Debbarma had assured them he would look into the matter seriously.
The leaders further alleged that Kakraban BMS president Prasenjit Deb and secretary Narayan Saha were directly responsible for the ongoing injustice. “We have submitted our complaint in writing to the MVI as a mark of protest against this unlawful conduct,” Majumder said.
