Assam Vehicles Still Barred From Meghalaya Despite Govt Safety Pact
Meghalaya taxi operators continue blockade, disrupting Guwahati-Shillong corridor despite assurances by both states
Assam-registered vehicles were stopped and turned back at entry points into Meghalaya on Sunday despite assurances by the Assam and Meghalaya governments to restore normalcy and ensure safe movement of vehicles and tourists.
Protesters, primarily members of Meghalaya tourist taxi associations, including the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association, reportedly prevented Assam-registered vehicles from entering the state at locations such as Byrnihat and Umiam (Barapani).
Meghalaya tourist vehicles, however, continued to ferry passengers up to Jorabat near the Assam border. The restrictions disrupted movement along the busy Guwahati-Shillong corridor, with some tourists reportedly forced to walk between Byrnihat and Jorabat.
The latest development came a day after a high-level meeting in Guwahati between Assam Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora and Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar.
The two sides had agreed to ensure the safe transit of vehicles and tourists, establish a permanent coordination mechanism involving government officials, police and local representatives, and evacuate remaining stranded Assam-bound passengers and vehicles within 48 hours.
Meghalaya also expressed regret over the violence on August 19, confirmed that 15 FIRs had been registered and said five masked persons allegedly involved in attacks on Assam-registered vehicles had been identified. The state government has also formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and assured compensation for damaged vehicles and medical treatment for those injured.
More than 3,770 Assam-registered vehicles had already been safely escorted out of Meghalaya, according to officials.
The current standoff stems from violence during a Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) “black flag” bike rally in Shillong on August 19. Participants allegedly assaulted bystanders, damaged at least 31 vehicles, most of them registered in Assam, and set one vehicle on fire. Sixteen people were injured in the violence.
Three KSU leaders, including the organisation’s president and secretary, were arrested in connection with the incident.
Following the violence, Assam drivers and transporters began blocking Meghalaya-registered vehicles at Jorabat, Khanapara and other locations from August 20. They demanded action against those responsible, compensation for damaged vehicles and guarantees of safety.
The blockade was suspended on Saturday evening after Assam minister Atul Bora met protesters and assured them that the state government would consider providing assistance if Meghalaya failed to compensate those affected.
Despite the agreement between the two state governments, the continued protest by Meghalaya taxi operators against Assam tourist vehicles has kept tensions high along one of the Northeast’s key tourism and transport routes.
The restrictions have affected both passenger and goods movement, while local operators on the Meghalaya side have been directed to limit their services to Jorabat.
Authorities in both states are now expected to work towards implementing the assurances agreed upon at Saturday’s meeting and restoring uninterrupted movement along the Guwahati-Shillong route.
