Assam-Meghalaya tensions escalate as arson, taxi standoff disrupt normal life
Shillong : Tensions between Assam and Meghalaya escalated on Friday amid a standoff between taxi operators and fresh incidents of arson and petrol bomb attacks on government properties in Meghalaya, two days after violence during a black-flag bike rally by the Khasi Students’ Union, prompting authorities to deploy additional forces to contain the situation.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the latest attacks targeted government offices, vehicles and a police outpost in several districts of Meghalalya. The developments came alongside a standoff between Assam and Meghalaya taxi operators that disrupted movement on the Byrnihat-Jorabat road.
The BJP-led Indian government has approved the deployment of five companies of central forces in Meghalaya until August 25 to assist the state police in maintaining law and order.
Meanwhile, the Byrnihat-Jorabat road was blocked from both sides on Friday amid the taxi standoff. The Ri-Bhoi district administration advised commuters to avoid the route until further notice. Travellers between Meghalaya and Guwahati were advised to take alternative routes.
At least 31 vehicles were damaged and several pedestrians were assaulted during earlier violence. Guwahati-based cab operators and transport workers subsequently stopped Meghalaya-registered vehicles at Jorabat and Khanapara.
Assam drivers’ associations and tourist cab operators have sought an apology from the Meghalaya chief minister and tourism minister, compensation for damaged vehicles and injured persons, and assurances on the safety of Assam-registered vehicles and drivers travelling to the hill state.
They warned that Meghalaya-registered vehicles would not be allowed into Assam until their demands are addressed. Similar protests were also organized by drivers’ unions in Meghalaya against alleged highhandedness of certain elements in Assam targeting Meghalaya tourist vehicles.
