1 week ago
Meghalaya Taxi Services Suspended After Shillong Violence, Travel Disrupted
Taxi drivers stopped some services between Shillong and Guwahati after violence in Shillong.
They said they were worried about the safety of drivers and passengers.
The drivers warned that more services could stop if safety does not improve.
During the violence, vehicles and public property were reportedly damaged.
Some people, including an Assam family, were allegedly attacked.
Cab operators from Assam also blocked some vehicles near the interstate border.
This made travel harder for passengers and tourists.
Drivers wore white to show that their protest was peaceful.
The chief ministers of Meghalaya and Assam agreed to work together to restore peace.
The Meghalaya taxi drivers’ association suspended commercial services between Shillong and Guwahati after violence in Shillong.
The association warned that Assam-to-Meghalaya taxi services could also stop without improved safety measures.
Violence during a Khasi Students’ Union rally reportedly involved attacks on vehicles, property damage and assaults on civilians.
Assam-based cab operators blocked Meghalaya-registered vehicles at Jorabat and Khanapara, leaving passengers stranded.
Drivers said their white-clad protest sought safety and peace without damaging vehicles, while both governments pledged to restore normalcy.
- Who
- Taxi operators and drivers from Meghalaya and Assam; the Meghalaya government, Assam government and Khasi Students’ Union are also involved.
- What
- Interstate taxi services were suspended or disrupted after violence in Shillong, prompting protests and calls for improved safety.
- Where
- Shillong and the Guwahati–Shillong route, including the border areas of Jorabat and Khanapara.
- When
- The suspension followed violence described as occurring days earlier; operators blocked vehicles on Thursday and the suspension was reported on Friday.
- Why
- Transport operators are seeking safety for drivers and passengers after reported attacks on vehicles and people.
Transport Operators’ Position
Commuters and Businesses’ Concern
Suspending taxi services
Transport Operators’ Position
Drivers and taxi associations say stopping services is necessary to protect drivers and passengers after reported attacks and vehicle damage.
Commuters and Businesses’ Concern
The suspension disrupts travel between Guwahati and Shillong, strands passengers and may affect tourists and businesses dependent on regular connectivity.
Nature of the protest
Transport Operators’ Position
Protesting drivers said they wore white to demonstrate peacefully and did not want to damage vehicles.
Commuters and Businesses’ Concern
The broader unrest and vehicle blockades have increased disruption along the interstate route, regardless of the drivers’ stated peaceful approach.
Response to the violence
Transport Operators’ Position
Transport operators are demanding adequate steps to ensure safety before services resume fully.
Commuters and Businesses’ Concern
The governments of Meghalaya and Assam say they will cooperate to restore peace, trust and normalcy, while tourism organisations have warned that safety concerns could discourage visitors.
Key facts
- Suspended service
- Commercial taxi services between Shillong and Guwahati
- Potential further halt
- The Meghalaya taxi association warned that Assam-to-Meghalaya services could also stop
- Reported violence
- Vehicles were attacked, public property was damaged and civilians were assaulted during a KSU rally
- Border disruption
- Assam-based cab operators blocked Meghalaya-registered vehicles at Jorabat and Khanapara
- Reported injury
- An Assam child was allegedly injured by broken glass after a vehicle was vandalised
- Protest message
- Drivers wore white and said they wanted a peaceful protest focused on safety
- Government response
- The chief ministers of Meghalaya and Assam agreed to work together to restore peace, trust and normalcy
- Arrests
- Three senior Khasi Students’ Union leaders were arrested in connection with the incidents
Quotes
Protesting driver
An Assam cab driver protesting the attacks
“We are wearing white because our protest is for peace. We do not want to damage any vehicle. We only want safety for drivers and passengers”
timesnownews.com
Sources
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