Protests Disrupt Assam-Meghalaya Traffic Amid Rising Tensions
Traffic Blockade Continues
Vehicular movement between Assam-Meghalaya remains disrupted for the second consecutive day on Friday (Photo: AT)
Guwahati, Aug 21: For the second day in a row, traffic between Assam and Meghalaya has been severely affected as protesters at Jorabat continue to obstruct vehicles with Meghalaya registration. This unrest follows violent incidents during a KSU rally in Shillong.
The demonstrators have threatened to escalate their protests if their demands are not met. They are calling for accountability regarding the alleged assaults and are seeking assurances for the safety of Assam residents and commercial drivers traveling through Meghalaya.
One driver participating in the blockade expressed that the protest aims to draw attention to the economic repercussions that disruptions along the Guwahati-Shillong route could have on Meghalaya.
“If we persist in blocking vehicles from Meghalaya entering Guwahati for even six hours, it will significantly impact their economy. This is not merely a cab driver movement. Miscreants have attacked private vehicles, and even children in those cars were not spared,” he stated.
Questioning the authorities' response, the protester remarked, “It’s disgraceful if this incident does not prompt action from our administration or affect our state as a whole. Does only Assam need to adhere to the Indian Constitution? I urge every citizen in Assam to hold the State government accountable.”
He further warned that the blockade would persist, restricting vehicle movement to and from Meghalaya via the National Highway and GS Road corridor.
This blockade has also disrupted transport services, with numerous Assam-based drivers facing challenges in entering Meghalaya.
One driver recounted being forced to turn back after being denied access through Byrnihat.
“Protesters are preventing us from passing through Byrnihat into Meghalaya. I attempted to go yesterday evening but had to make a U-turn. The issue originates from Meghalaya. Unions there frequently cause disruptions for Assam drivers. No driver or association from Assam engages in such actions,” he claimed.
At Jorabat, protesters indicated that they had not received any formal communication from either government.
“So far, there has been no communication from either side. Even if there is a response, it should be provided here on-site and in writing. Our question is why the Meghalaya government failed to ensure adequate protection for our people from Assam,” a protester stated.
Meanwhile, Meghalaya's Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong condemned the violence during the KSU rally and assured that the State government would take strict measures against those responsible.
He mentioned that the Meghalaya government had invoked the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order (MMPO) Act and that actions would be taken against all involved in the violence.
“This behavior clearly indicates that their intention was not to hold a peaceful rally. The rally they sought appears to have had different motives. The law will take its course. We will not permit such incidents,” Tynsong stated in a video message.
He called for calm, assuring that the government is taking steps to maintain public safety and restore normalcy.
“I urge all citizens to feel secure and safe. We are committed to ensuring that daily activities, including office work, markets, and livelihoods, proceed without disruption,” he added.
The Deputy Chief Minister noted that surveillance measures, including drones and CCTV, have been deployed to identify those involved in vandalism and criminal acts.
“The government, police, and administration are actively working to identify the individuals responsible for unnecessary property damage and criminal activities,” he stated.
Regarding the blockade at Jorabat and Khanapara, he mentioned that authorities in Ri-Bhoi district and senior police officials are in constant communication with their counterparts in Assam to facilitate smooth vehicular movement and prevent further escalation.
The recent developments follow violent incidents that occurred during a KSU rally in Shillong on Thursday.
Several vehicles, including those registered in Assam, were reportedly attacked and vandalized, leading to widespread outrage among transporters and residents in Assam.
In the aftermath, driver organizations have demanded a public apology from the Meghalaya Chief Minister and formal assurances regarding the safety of Assam residents and commercial vehicle operators traveling through Meghalaya.