SHILLONG: The movement of vehicles along the busy Guwahati–Shillong route remains largely disrupted following the violence that erupted during a rally organised by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Wednesday.
Assam-based taxi and commercial vehicle drivers blocked the road, leaving passengers stranded at Jorabat and Khanapara. Widespread condemnation has emerged in Assam over the alleged attacks on vehicles bearing Assam registration numbers, including tourist vehicles, during the rally. The attacks reportedly left several people from Assam, including tourists, injured. Security forces from both the Assam and Meghalaya governments have been deployed in response.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Assam Drivers’ Association demanded an apology from Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira, along with adequate compensation from the Meghalaya government.
“We demand action against those responsible and a written assurance on the safety of Assamese drivers and vehicles travelling in Meghalaya,” the association said.
“This is not the first incident in which Assam vehicles and drivers have been targeted in Meghalaya. Is going to Meghalaya a crime for tourists? We want the Meghalaya government to understand that we are not weak. We want a written assurance regarding the safety of Assamese drivers and vehicles,” the association added.
Meanwhile, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal on Thursday addressed the media following the violence during Wednesday’s KSU bike rally in Shillong, assuring residents of their safety and security.
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Baranwal appealed to all residents, including indigenous communities, non-tribals, tourists and people working in the city, to refrain from spreading rumours and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
He said additional security personnel have been deployed, while night patrolling is being intensified across Shillong to prevent further incidents and strengthen the sense of security in the city.
The Deputy Commissioner said sector magistrates have also been asked to engage with local communities and address their concerns.
Acknowledging that people may be experiencing both regret and fear in the aftermath of the violence, Baranwal said the administration remains committed to working with the community and responding swiftly to any reported incident.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma also said that he had spoken with his Assam counterpart, Himanta Biswa Sarma, regarding the violence in Shillong on August 19 and the subsequent reactions that have affected commuters and residents of both states.
“We have agreed to work together, as always, to normalise the situation. Designated Cabinet Ministers from both States will meet to take the discussions forward and explore ways to restore peace, trust and normalcy,” Sangma said in a post on X.
He also appealed to citizens of both states to maintain peace, harmony and restraint, stating that Meghalaya and Assam share deep bonds and must work together to protect them.
