Following a high-level meeting between the Assam and Meghalaya governments aimed at addressing recent violence in Shillong, Assam cab operators have reported ongoing issues. Despite ending a three-day protest on Saturday, these operators claim that their counterparts in Meghalaya are still obstructing Assam-registered vehicles. This situation highlights the continued tensions in the region, even after official discussions.
The blockade in Assam’s Jorabat started on Friday in protest against alleged attacks on Assam residents and vehicles during violence in Shillong. “We temporarily called off our blockade to respect the initiatives being taken by the governments of both states but we cannot see a similar attitude from their side. Assam cab operators prevented Meghalaya-registered vehicles from entering the state in protest against the violence that left many from their state injured and traumatised. They alleged that Assam-registered vehicles were targeted during the KSU rally. Guwahati Commissioner of Police Partha Sarathi Mahanta, Commissioner of Transport Shri Manvendra Pratap Singh and Kamrup (M) DTO Shri Himangshu Das were also present.
Dhar, on behalf of the Meghalaya government, expressed regret over the August 19 incident and assured that strong action would be taken against those involved. Minister Bora on Sunday afternoon met members of 14 Assam-based private transport associations to discuss their issues. The representatives of the 14 transport associations said after the meeting that they had demanded measures to ensure their safety in Meghalaya and that the attacks on Assam residents were not new or isolated incidents.
If this continues, we may resume our protest,” another cab operator said. S Dhar said that as part of the legal action against those responsible for the violence, the president, vice-president and general secretary of the KSU had been arrested under the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act in connection with the violence.
