On Thursday, a significant protest by cab operators and transport workers led to the blocking of the highway connecting Assam and Meghalaya. This disruption left hundreds of passengers and vehicles stranded near the Assam-Meghalaya border. The protest was sparked by recent violent incidents in Shillong, where individuals from Assam were reportedly targeted. The situation underscores ongoing tensions and concerns regarding safety for residents from Assam traveling in Meghalaya.
They alleged that drivers and others from Assam were assaulted in the Meghalaya Police’s presence. “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. Assam Police deployed additional forces near the Meghalaya border. In Shillong, KSU activists first staged a demonstration outside the Main Secretariat, putting up banners accusing the government of nepotism and corruption in recruitment. Police removed the banners within minutes and tightened security around the secretariat. One of the banners read: “We study hard, we pass, but at the end of the day jobs are given to those who can bribe. The KSU has sought action against the deputy commissioner, police superintendent, and the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board for allegedly obstructing public participation at a July hearing on a cement manufacturing plant in East Jaiñtia Hills. “Thirty-one vehicles were vandalised. People walking on the streets were beaten up without any reason. “This is a violation of the law of the land. We will take necessary action on this matter.”
Because they were granted permission and had given an undertaking, “We did not expect this to happen. It has been demanding the establishment of facilitation centres at all 18 entry points in the Khasi and Jaiñtia Hills for the implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act. On Thursday, a Shillong court remanded three KSU leaders, including Najiar, to 14 days in judicial custody following their arrest over Wednesday’s violence.
Assam cab operators said they prevented Meghalaya-registered vehicles from entering Assam in protest against the violence that left many from their state injured and traumatised. We faced this discrimination many times,” said a cab operator in Guwahati. The protesters said they are allowing essential services, including ambulances, to pass. Police superintendent Vivek Syiem said the rally was granted permission after organisers gave an undertaking that it would remain peaceful. One vehicle was set ablaze,” Syiem said. Syiem said the violence left residents frightened, with police continuing to receive calls from people asking whether it was safe to venture out.
