The All Shi-Yomi District Students’ Union (ASYDSU) has urged the APSTS authority to provide a temporary SUV or mini bus service for the people of Shi-Yomi district so that they can travel back to their respective hometowns from Aalo.

ASYDSU has submitted a representation to the general manager of Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Services (APSTS) in this regard.

The ASYDSU in its representation submitted on Tuesday said the exorbitant fares charged by taxi drivers in Aalo, the headquarters of West Siang, is making life difficult for the people of Shi-Yomi, especially students and patients as many of them are not able to afford the same.

The students’ union said due to the lack of government transportation, the local taxi drivers are presently charging people Rs 1500 per passenger to travel from Aalo to Mechuka and Aalo to Pidi, Rs 1300 to travel to Tato and a staggering Rs 2000 to travel to Monigong.

Most of the people of Shi-Yomi who are stranded in Aalo are students and patients and those who have down for their higher studies and for better medical treatment.

Most of them belong to economically weak families and are not able to pay such huge amounts, the ASYDSU said in its letter.

The union further also highlighted that the APSTS has earlier provided two Tata Sumos each for Mechukha and Monigong, however, the vehicle has been presently engaged by the Shi-Yomi district administration for Covid-19 duty.

APSTS general manager Abu Tayeng, when contacted, said the request is being looked upon and the matter is under process.

Damien Lepcha is Northeast Now Correspondent in Arunachal Pradesh. He can be reached at: [email protected]