Assam and Meghalaya Leaders Urge Peace Following Shillong Violence
Call for Calm After Protest Violence
An alleged KSU member vandalises a car during Wednesday’s ‘Black Flag’ protest in Shillong. (Photo:@SubhoMazumder4/X)
Guwahati, Aug 20: In light of recent unrest during a protest in Shillong, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma have called for peace, restraint, and open dialogue between their states.
The tensions arose following a “Black Flag” bike rally organized by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) in Shillong, which led to disruptions in Assam as taxi and commercial vehicle drivers blocked routes to Meghalaya at Khanapara and Jorabat.
Sarma expressed his concerns to Sangma regarding the incidents in Shillong, particularly those affecting vehicles registered in Assam.
He mentioned that Assam's Minister for Border Protection, Atul Bora, has been instructed to collaborate closely with Meghalaya's authorities to ensure that “peace and normalcy prevail” in the region.
“Assam and Meghalaya share a deep historical and cultural bond. It is essential that we maintain mutual respect and sensitivity in our interactions,” Sarma emphasized in a social media update, highlighting the importance of preserving the friendship between the two states.
In response, Sangma acknowledged the “unfortunate violence” that occurred on August 19 and its repercussions on the daily lives of residents and travelers in both states.
The two leaders agreed to collaborate to restore normalcy, with plans for designated Cabinet ministers from both states to convene and discuss measures to rebuild trust and peace.
The unrest followed the KSU’s rally, which resulted in allegations of violence, including stone-pelting and vandalism, particularly targeting Assam-registered vehicles. This led to the blockade by Assam drivers.
In a statement, the drivers’ association demanded apologies from Sangma and Meghalaya's Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira, along with compensation from the Meghalaya government.
The targeting of Assam vehicles has drawn criticism in Assam, with political and student leaders advocating for dialogue to avert further conflict. Assam Mahila Congress president Mira Borthakur raised concerns about the safety of Assamese drivers and tourists in neighboring states.
AASU general secretary Samiron Phukan warned that the situation could further strain relations between Assam and Meghalaya, urging for accountability for those responsible for the violence. He stated that AASU would engage with KSU and NESO to address the issues. AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi also condemned the violence and called for measures to ensure the safety of visitors in Meghalaya.
As tensions escalate, the leaders' calls for restraint and dialogue are crucial in preventing the situation from escalating into a larger conflict between Assam and Meghalaya.