NONGPOH: Cross-border vehicle movement between Meghalaya and Assam came to a complete halt at Jorabat after Assam tourist drivers and members of the Bir Lachit Sena enforced a blockade.
All Meghalaya-registered commercial and private vehicles have been barred from entering Assam, with only ambulances and emergency medical cases allowed through to Guwahati.
The blockade was imposed in retaliation for violence during a Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) bike rally in Shillong, where Assam-registered vehicles were pelted with stones, resulting in significant property damage and injuries to several travelers, including women and children.
Assam-based groups condemned Meghalaya authorities for failing to protect visitors and questioned why Assam travelers were targeted during a protest aimed at the government.
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Protesting organizations from Assam have submitted formal demands to the Meghalaya administration, insisting that the blockade will continue until full financial compensation is provided for damaged vehicles and all medical expenses for injured travelers are covered.
In response to the escalating crisis, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar confirmed that high-level talks are underway between the Chief Ministers and Home Ministers of both states to restore normalcy at the border.
Dhar added that authorities are reviewing the situation and taking steps to address the fallout, noting that the KSU had previously submitted a written undertaking promising a peaceful rally.
(4FrontMedia news)
