The Mizoram Commercial Vehicle Union (MCVU) announced on October 22 that their planned indefinite strike, which was set to commence on October 23, has now been reduced to a 12-hour strike from 6 AM to 6 PM. This decision comes after requests from various churches and the Young Mizo Association (CYMA), both of which are organizing important conferences in the coming days.
Initially, the MCVU had intended to hold the strike on October 14, but they postponed it following a request from Chief Minister Lalduhoma, asking for patience until the Cabinet meeting could be convened. However, after the government confirmed it would not reduce fuel prices, the MCVU decided to move forward with their strike plans.
The union is demanding a reduction of Rs 5 per litre for both petrol and diesel. In response, the government has stated that the recent hike, which includes an increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) and new levies of Rs 2 per litre aimed at infrastructure and road maintenance, is essential for the welfare of the public. This ongoing tension between the MCVU and the government highlights the challenges surrounding fuel pricing and its impact on the commercial transport sector in Mizoram.