Tensions between commercial vehicle operators from Assam and Meghalaya continued on Sunday despite a temporary easing of the blockade at Jorabat along the interstate border. Seven Assam-based motor, cab and indigenous organisations agreed to withdraw their road blockade for the day and allow Meghalaya-registered private and commercial vehicles to enter Assam. The move came amid continuing concerns over the safety of drivers and passengers following recent incidents involving vehicles from both states.

The situation remained tense on the outskirts of Shillong, where members of the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association and the All Shillong Taxi Association gathered at Umiam and stopped vehicles arriving from Assam. The associations alleged that the Meghalaya government had not adequately addressed their concerns over the ongoing dispute. They also accused the state government of treating Meghalaya-based transport operators unfairly.

Association leaders pointed to a recent meeting between ministers from Assam and Meghalaya, claiming that the Meghalaya government had agreed to compensate owners of Assam-registered vehicles damaged in Shillong. They alleged that no similar assurance was discussed for Meghalaya commercial vehicles that were damaged in Assam. The associations have sought greater attention to the concerns of their drivers and operators amid the continuing interstate transport dispute.

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Meghalaya-registered tourist vehicle operators have meanwhile decided to drop passengers at Jorabat and return to the state instead of continuing into Assam. They have also opposed the entry of Assam-registered vehicles into Meghalaya, citing safety concerns for both drivers and passengers. The developments have disrupted normal movement of commercial and tourist vehicles between the two states and prompted authorities to monitor the situation closely.

Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said a high-level meeting involving the Commissioners of Transport of Assam and Meghalaya would be convened by September 10 to address long-standing grievances raised by transport associations. Representatives of tourist taxi associations from both states are also expected to participate. Discussions are likely to focus on the difficulties faced by drivers, passenger safety and the movement of commercial vehicles between Assam and Meghalaya.

For now, the situation at Jorabat remained comparatively calm after the Assam-based organisations agreed to lift their blockade for the day. However, developments at Borapani continued to be monitored, with Meghalaya Police maintaining a presence in the area. Authorities on both sides are seeking to prevent further confrontation and restore regular interstate vehicle movement while addressing the concerns raised by transport operators.

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