The Wung Light Vehicle Service Association (WLVSA), formed by taxi owners and drivers in Ukhrul Town, has urged the authorities to recognise it as a separate and independent body representing the local taxi community. The association said its core purpose is to ensure equal opportunity, democratic participation and accountable leadership for every taxi owner and driver operating in the town.
Push for inclusion
The appeal was made at a press conference held at the Ukhrul Press Club, Winotang on Saturday, attended by WLVSA president Tharmi Raising, secretary Ngatarmi Raleng, finance secretary Helpson Kharei, treasurer Henry Shatshang and other members. WLVSA leaders said the association was born out of a collective decision by taxi owners and drivers who felt a new association was needed to protect transparency, responsible administration and fair representation.
According to the association, membership should not be limited in practice to a few voices. It said every eligible taxi owner and driver should have the right to join, take part in decision-making, express opinions freely, contest elections and contribute to the welfare of the community.
Concerns over existing setup
WLVSA leaders said its formation was the result of years of dissatisfaction with the way the existing arrangement functioned after the Ukhrul Town Taxi Service Controlling Board (UTTSCB) introduced the UDTWA Local Taxi framework in October 2023. While the original arrangement was meant to be inclusive, the association said many members later believed those goals were not being achieved.
They highlighted a score of grievances under the UDTWA arrangement, pointing out a lack of meaningful membership, long gaps without general house meetings, absence of annual audit reports before the wider membership, and a climate in which some members felt intimidated when questioning decisions. The group also cited concerns over taxi checking and enforcement activities carried out without proper authority and said decision-making had become concentrated in the hands of a few individuals.
From grievance to action
As frustration mounted, members repeatedly sought a system that would offer equal rights, financial accountability and transparent administration. WLVSA said those concerns were taken up through meetings and official communications involving the UTTSCB, chaired by the Deputy Commissioner, and other authorities.
According to the association leaders, a key turning point came on 18 November 2025, when members convened a meeting wherein they unanimously resolved to form a Joint Action Committee and authorise it to draft a constitution for a new association. They, however, stressed that this was not an attempt to oppose unity, but to build a new framework based on inclusiveness and shared responsibility.
Board constitution
WLVSA traced the issue back to 2 October 2023, when the District Administration constituted the UTTSCB to regulate and streamline taxi services in Ukhrul Town. The board was chaired by the Deputy Commissioner and included senior officials such as the Additional Superintendent of Police (Operations), District Transport Officer, District Cooperative Officer and representatives of the Autonomous District Council.
The association leaders said the board later examined the concerns raised by taxi owners and drivers and eventually recommended the formation of a new inclusive association. They added that WLVSA has respected and followed the board’s decisions throughout the process.
What WLVSA wants
WLVSA has asked for recognition of separate administration so it can manage its own affairs under the spirit of the UTTSCB framework. It has also sought respect for the right of taxi owners and drivers to form and operate a lawful, inclusive association without intimidation or interference.
The association further wants the recommendations and decisions of competent authorities, including the UTTSCB, to be implemented fairly and impartially. It says it does not seek to replace or control any other association, only to function independently and peacefully alongside others.
Commitment to cooperation
The association said it remains committed to democratic governance, financial transparency, accountability to its members and peaceful resolution of differences through lawful means. It also expressed willingness to work closely with the government, regulators and other stakeholders to build a professional and service-oriented taxi system in Ukhrul Town.
For WLVSA, the issue is not only about registration, but about whether every eligible member of the taxi community gets a fair voice in shaping its future.
