Ministers To Meet As Assam Cab Operators Continue Blocking Meghalaya-Bound Traffic
Ministers prepare talks as Assam-Meghalaya transport dispute continues.
Traffic movement from Assam to Meghalaya remained disrupted for the third consecutive day on Saturday as taxi drivers in Guwahati continued blocking vehicles at multiple entry points to the neighbouring state. The protest followed alleged attacks on Assam residents during a students' motorcycle rally in Shillong on August 19. An inter-state ministerial-level meeting has been scheduled in Guwahati to discuss the issue and seek a resolution.
The Assam State Drivers' Union, one of the groups leading the agitation, said the blockade had been extended to the entry points at Rani, Boko, Hahim and Lampi Road. The development came after the Meghalaya government advised travellers to use these alternative routes. Cab operators had already been restricting Meghalaya-bound traffic at Jorabat and Khanapara, which are among the main entry points from Assam towards Shillong.
Protesters at Jorabat maintained that the agitation would continue until a lasting solution was reached. They also expressed concern about the outcome of the ministerial meeting and alleged that the government had not adequately engaged with the drivers. The protesters maintained that vehicles involved in essential services were not being stopped. Meanwhile, the North East Petroleum Mazdoor Union has announced an indefinite halt to the loading and unloading of petroleum products for Meghalaya until the situation improves.
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Assam Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora is scheduled to hold talks with Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister S Dhar in Guwahati. The two ministers have been entrusted by their respective governments to negotiate over the issue. Bora had earlier indicated that the Assam government was coordinating with Meghalaya authorities to ensure the safety of Assam residents who remained stranded in the hill state.
Assam Police have also activated two helpline numbers for people from Assam who are stranded in Meghalaya or experiencing difficulties while travelling. The WhatsApp helpline is 9181014888, while the landline number is 03612381511. Authorities are attempting to manage the disruption as concerns remain over the safety of passengers and residents travelling between the two states.
The latest tensions followed violence during a motorcycle rally organised by the Khasi Students' Union in Shillong on August 19. Meghalaya Police reported that at least 31 vehicles, including vehicles from Assam, were damaged, 16 people were injured and two vehicles were set ablaze. Following the incident, commercial vehicle operators in Guwahati began blocking Meghalaya-bound traffic at Jorabat and Khanapara from Thursday, leading to continued disruption of movement between Assam and Meghalaya.
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