1 week ago
Assam-Meghalaya Cab Blockade Eases, September 10 Talks Set
Assam and Meghalaya are neighboring states whose taxi drivers carry people across the border.
After violence in Shillong, some drivers became worried about safety and stopped vehicles from the other state.
On Sunday, Meghalaya taxi groups turned back some Assam vehicles near Shillong.
In Assam, several transport groups temporarily opened the road at Jorabat for Meghalaya vehicles.
Some Meghalaya taxis still dropped passengers at Jorabat instead of traveling farther into Assam.
Government officials then met with driver groups to discuss the problem.
Assam vehicles were expected to be allowed into Meghalaya from Monday.
The two states will hold another meeting on September 10 to create longer-term rules for cross-border taxis.
Assam-registered vehicles were stopped at Meghalaya entry points including Barapani, Umiam and Byrnihat on Sunday.
Meghalaya taxi associations demanded that each state’s commercial tourist vehicles operate only within their own state.
Seven Assam-based transport organisations lifted their Jorabat blockade for the day and allowed Meghalaya vehicles into Assam.
Officials said Assam vehicles would be permitted to enter Meghalaya from Monday after a Sunday meeting with drivers’ associations.
The states scheduled September 10 talks to address safety, compensation and long-term cross-border transport rules.
- Who
- The Assam and Meghalaya governments, transport and taxi associations, drivers, passengers and tourists.
- What
- A cross-border commercial vehicle blockade continued in parts of Meghalaya while the Jorabat blockade eased and officials announced plans to restore movement.
- Where
- The disruption affected Barapani, Umiam, Byrnihat, Lad Umroi, Jorabat and the Guwahati-Shillong route.
- When
- The latest developments occurred on Sunday; Assam vehicles were expected to be allowed into Meghalaya from Monday, with further talks scheduled for September 10. The dispute followed violence on August 19.
- Why
- Taxi associations cited safety concerns, alleged harassment and operational difficulties, and demanded rules limiting each state’s commercial tourist vehicles to its own territory.
Government Coordination
Taxi Associations’ Demands
Cross-border vehicle movement
Government Coordination
Officials from both states agreed to restore safe movement, ease blockades and establish coordination systems for vehicles, passengers and tourists.
Taxi Associations’ Demands
Meghalaya taxi associations said Assam tourist taxis should operate only in Assam and Meghalaya taxis only in Meghalaya, and continued turning back Assam vehicles.
Safety and security
Government Coordination
The governments said they would use police, helplines, joint committees and security arrangements to protect drivers, passengers and vehicles.
Taxi Associations’ Demands
Taxi operators said drivers had faced harassment, threats and difficulties while traveling through the other state, and that stronger guarantees were needed.
Compensation and accountability
Government Coordination
Meghalaya said it had registered cases, formed an investigation team and assured compensation for damaged vehicles and medical treatment for the injured.
Taxi Associations’ Demands
Meghalaya association leaders alleged that compensation was discussed for damaged Assam vehicles but not for Meghalaya commercial vehicles damaged in Assam.
Key facts
- Sunday’s stoppages
- Assam-registered vehicles were reportedly turned back at Barapani, Umiam and Byrnihat while traveling toward Shillong.
- Expected reopening
- Assam State Drivers Association president Dhrubaraj Asom said Assam vehicles would be allowed to enter Meghalaya from Monday.
- Jorabat blockade
- Seven Assam-based motor, cab and indigenous organisations agreed to withdraw their blockade for the day and allow Meghalaya-registered vehicles into Assam.
- September 10 talks
- Transport Commissioners from Assam and Meghalaya, along with tourist taxi associations from both states, are expected to discuss cross-border transport.
- August 19 violence
- At least 31 vehicles were damaged, one was set on fire and 16 people were injured during violence in Shillong.
- Investigation
- Meghalaya said 15 FIRs had been registered, five masked suspects identified and a Special Investigation Team formed.
- Movement disruption
- Meghalaya tourist vehicles continued dropping passengers at Jorabat, and some tourists reportedly walked between border points.
Quotes
Ricaldinus Dohling
President of the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association
“Assam and Meghalaya are sister States bound by longstanding ties of harmony and brotherhood. I appeal to all people and stakeholders to maintain peace, restraint and our spirit of brotherhood in the greater interest of the region.”
freepressjournal.in
“Office bearers of All Khasi Drivers Association informed us tonight that they have decided to allow transit of Assam registered vehicles to Shillong and other places of the neighbouring state”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
Assam Vehicles Cleared For Meghalaya Entry After Border Blockade; States Fix Sept 10 Transport Talks
Day After Assam-Meghalaya Peace Push, Taxi Body Turns Back Assam Vehicles
Assam Vehicles Still Barred From Meghalaya Despite Govt Safety Pact
No End To Assam-Meghalaya Cab Crisis, Vehicles Stopped At Shillong Border
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