1 week ago
Assam-Meghalaya Cab Blockades Follow Violence In Shillong
A student group held a motorcycle rally in Shillong, Meghalaya.
Reports said some vehicles were damaged and people were hurt during the rally.
Taxi drivers from Assam became angry because they said Assam vehicles and people were targeted.
They blocked some roads near the border with Meghalaya.
Meghalaya taxi drivers then made a similar blockade at Barapani.
This left passengers and vehicles stranded or forced them to change taxis.
Police added security and said the area was being monitored.
Leaders and transport groups called for peace, protection, and action against anyone responsible for violence.
Guwahati-based cab operators blocked National Highway-27 at Jorabat and Khanapara, disrupting travel between Assam and Meghalaya.
The blockade followed a Khasi Students' Union motorcycle rally in Shillong during which 31 vehicles were damaged and several people were reportedly assaulted or injured.
Meghalaya cab drivers later imposed a reciprocal blockade at Barapani, stopping Assam-registered vehicles from entering Shillong.
Transport workers demanded action against those responsible, compensation for damaged vehicles, and protection for drivers and passengers.
Police deployed additional security along the border, while political parties urged intervention, restraint, and an end to retaliatory action.
- Who
- Khasi Students' Union rally participants, Assam and Meghalaya cab drivers, transport workers, police, and political representatives were involved or responded.
- What
- Road blockades were imposed on both sides of the Assam-Meghalaya border after alleged attacks and vehicle damage during a Shillong rally.
- Where
- The incidents occurred in Shillong and at border locations including Jorabat, Khanapara, and Barapani.
- When
- The rally and reported violence occurred on Wednesday; the border protests and reciprocal blockade followed on Thursday.
- Why
- Assam transport workers said they were protesting alleged attacks on Assam people and vehicles and sought protection, compensation, and action against those responsible.
Protesters and Transport Workers
Authorities and Critics of Retaliation
Purpose and response to the blockades
Protesters and Transport Workers
Assam drivers and transport workers said the blockades were necessary after Assam people and vehicles were allegedly targeted in Shillong, citing previous similar incidents and demanding protection and compensation.
Authorities and Critics of Retaliation
Political leaders and authorities said violence against civilians and vehicles was unacceptable, urged the Meghalaya government to act, and called on protesters to avoid retaliatory incidents and preserve peace.
KSU rally demands
Protesters and Transport Workers
The Khasi Students' Union said its continuing agitation addressed resident safety and security, recruitment reforms, and stricter regulation of migrant workers.
Authorities and Critics of Retaliation
Transport representatives and political critics said the right to protest does not permit attacks on civilians or vehicles and demanded that alleged perpetrators face action.
Key facts
- Initial rally
- A black-flag motorcycle rally was organized by the Khasi Students' Union in Shillong.
- Reported damage
- Officials said at least 31 vehicles, mostly government SUVs, were damaged.
- Assam blockade
- Guwahati-based operators stopped Meghalaya-registered vehicles at Jorabat and Khanapara.
- Meghalaya blockade
- Meghalaya cab drivers blocked Assam-registered vehicles at Barapani from entering Shillong.
- KSU demands
- The rally concerned a five-point charter involving resident safety, recruitment reforms, and migrant-worker regulation.
- Transport demands
- The Assam State Drivers' Union and allied transport workers sought compensation, accountability, and commuter protection.
- Security response
- Additional Assam Police forces and security personnel were deployed at key border points.
Quotes
Biren Sarma, State General Secretary, All India Road Transport Workers' Federation
Union official calling for action against attackers
“They were assaulting us selectively and their police were just watching as if we were in a different country. And, this was not the first time that Assam drivers were assaulted. We have faced this discrimination many times.”
rediff.com
“"This is not the first such incident that took place in Shillong. Every organisation has the right to protest, but it cannot attack civilians and vehicles. The Meghalaya government must act against the culprits."”
NDTV
rediff.com
Sources
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