Guwahati, Aug 21: The Assam-Meghalaya border continued to witness heightened tension on Friday as the vehicle blockade by Assam transporters at Jorabat and Khanapara entered its second day, severely disrupting road connectivity between the two neighbouring states.
The present crisis has its roots in the violence that broke out during a black-flag bike rally organised by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) in Shillong on the evening of August 19. The rally, which was meant to press the organisation’s demands, took a violent turn when a large number of masked participants riding motorcycles with covered registration plates went on a rampage through several localities of the city.
According to Meghalaya Police, the unrest involved stone-pelting, vandalism, arson and assaults at multiple locations, including Fire Brigade, Nongmensong, Polo, Barik and Mawlai. At least 31 vehicles were damaged, the majority of them bearing Assam registration numbers. Two vehicles were set ablaze and around 16 people were injured. Some statues were also reportedly vandalised during the violence.
Acting swiftly, Meghalaya Police arrested three senior KSU leaders — president Raymond Kharjana, vice-president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet and general secretary Reuben Najiar — on the night of the incident. They were remanded to 14 days’ judicial custody. Fifteen FIRs were registered under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for damage to public property, assault and related offences. The Meghalaya government later invoked the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act to recover damages and revoked permission for any further agitation planned by the organisation.
The targeting of Assam-registered vehicles triggered strong resentment among commercial vehicle operators and drivers in Assam. On Thursday morning, members of the Assam State Drivers’ Association and Guwahati-based cab operators began blocking National Highway-27 at the key entry points of Jorabat and Khanapara. Meghalaya-registered vehicles were prevented from entering or leaving Assam. Passengers travelling in such vehicles were forced to deboard at the border and continue their journey in Assam-registered taxis. While ambulances and vehicles carrying patients were generally allowed to pass, ordinary traffic came to a near standstill.
Hundreds of passengers and several goods-carrying vehicles remained stranded on both sides of the border. The disruption also affected tourists and daily commuters, with reports of hotel cancellations in Shillong and long traffic jams stretching several kilometres on the Assam side.
Reacting to the situation, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma held talks over the phone on Thursday. Both leaders agreed to work together to restore peace, trust and normalcy. Sarma conveyed Assam’s concern over the attacks on Assam-registered vehicles and directed Border Protection Minister Atul Bora to coordinate closely with Meghalaya authorities. Sangma appealed to the people of both states to exercise restraint and maintain harmony, stressing the deep historical and cultural bonds between Assam and Meghalaya.
Designated cabinet ministers from both states are expected to meet shortly to take the discussions forward. The Centre, meanwhile, approved the deployment of five companies of central forces, including CRPF and RAF, in Meghalaya till August 25 to assist the state police in maintaining law and order.
On Friday, the blockade continued despite the high-level talks. There were also reports of the Byrnihat–Jorabat road being blocked from both sides at certain points. Assam Police opened dedicated helplines — WhatsApp number 9181014888 and landline 0361-2381511 — to assist people from Assam who are stranded in Meghalaya or facing difficulties while travelling back.
Transporters have demanded action against those involved in the Shillong violence, compensation for damaged vehicles and a clear assurance that Assam drivers and vehicles will not be targeted in future while travelling through Meghalaya. They have indicated that the blockade will continue until their concerns are adequately addressed.
The incident has once again brought into focus the fragile nature of inter-state relations and the ease with which localised violence can disrupt the lives of ordinary people who depend on free movement across the Assam-Meghalaya border for livelihood, medical care, education and daily commuting.
