1 week ago
Assam-Meghalaya Blockade Enters Third Day as Ministers Seek Resolution
Drivers from Assam are blocking roads leading into Meghalaya.
They began protesting after vehicles were attacked during a rally in Shillong on August 19.
Sixteen people were injured, and at least 31 vehicles were damaged.
Two vehicles were set on fire.
The blockade has stranded tourists and other travelers in both states.
Some Meghalaya-registered vehicles were stopped from entering or leaving Assam, while essential vehicles were mostly allowed through.
Police created helplines to help families find stranded people and vehicles.
Ministers from the two states planned to meet in Guwahati to try to end the dispute.
Assam-based taxi and driver groups continued blocking Meghalaya-bound traffic for a third day at Jorabat, Khanapara and additional entry points.
The protest followed violence during a Khasi Students’ Union rally in Shillong on August 19 that injured 16 people and damaged at least 31 vehicles.
Two vehicles were set ablaze, and protesters said most of the damaged vehicles were registered in Assam.
Tourists and other travelers were stranded, while cabs and goods vehicles were prevented from entering Meghalaya; essential-service vehicles were generally allowed through.
Ministers from Assam and Meghalaya scheduled talks in Guwahati, as protesters demanded safety assurances, compensation and a lasting solution.
- Who
- Assam-based taxi and driver groups, Meghalaya taxi operators, the Khasi Students’ Union, state authorities and travelers are involved.
- What
- A cross-border vehicle blockade is disrupting movement between Assam and Meghalaya after violence at a Shillong rally.
- Where
- The blockade affected Jorabat, Khanapara, Rani, Boko, Hahim and Lampi Road in Assam, while the preceding violence occurred in several parts of Shillong.
- When
- The rally occurred on August 19; the blockade began Thursday and continued for a third day on Saturday, August 22.
- Why
- Protesters are seeking safety for Assam residents and drivers, compensation for damaged vehicles, action over the Shillong violence and a lasting resolution.
Assam Transporters and Supporters
Meghalaya Authorities and Taxi Operators
Reason for continuing the blockade
Assam Transporters and Supporters
Assam driver groups said vehicles and Assam residents were attacked during the Shillong rally and demanded safety assurances, compensation and a lasting solution.
Meghalaya Authorities and Taxi Operators
Meghalaya authorities condemned the violence, invoked the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act and said stringent action would be taken against those responsible.
Cross-border vehicle movement
Assam Transporters and Supporters
Protesters blocked Meghalaya-bound traffic and restricted Meghalaya-registered vehicles from entering or leaving Assam, while allowing essential-service vehicles through.
Meghalaya Authorities and Taxi Operators
The All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association and a Shillong cab operator threatened countermeasures if Meghalaya vehicles continued to be barred from Assam, though the operator said blockades should be avoided.
Path to resolution
Assam Transporters and Supporters
Drivers said they would continue protesting and would not accept half-way measures until a concrete, lasting solution was reached.
Meghalaya Authorities and Taxi Operators
The Assam and Meghalaya governments planned a ministerial meeting in Guwahati to negotiate an end to the impasse and restore peace and normalcy.
Key facts
- Injuries
- At least 16 people were injured during the Shillong violence.
- Vehicle damage
- At least 31 vehicles were damaged, including two that were set ablaze.
- Blockade duration
- Traffic disruption continued for a third day on Saturday, August 22.
- Affected routes
- Blockades were reported at Jorabat, Khanapara, Rani, Boko, Hahim and Lampi Road.
- Police response
- Meghalaya Police registered around 15 FIRs and arrested three senior Khasi Students’ Union leaders.
- Assam Police helplines
- WhatsApp: 9181014888; landline: 0361-2381511.
- Planned negotiations
- Assam minister Atul Bora and Meghalaya deputy chief minister S Dhar were scheduled to meet in Guwahati.
Quotes
An Assam State Driver Union member
A member of the union leading the blockade at Jorabat.
“Family members, relatives, or any person having information regarding individuals or vehicles stranded in Meghalaya may share the relevant details through these helpline numbers. Information such as the name of the person, contact number, vehicle number, present location, and any other available details may be provided to help in coordination.”
deccanchronicle.com
“We also know what we cabbies suffer if there is a blockade or threat to safety and vehicles. If the issue is not resolved soon, we will not push for talks with Assam associations this time as we did in the past.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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