GUWAHATI: Tension continued along the Assam-Meghalaya border on Thursday following violence during a Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) rally in Shillong that left several people injured and vehicles, including those bearing Assam registration numbers, damaged.
At Jorabat, a key entry point to Meghalaya, movement of Meghalaya-bound vehicles was disrupted as Assam-based cab drivers and transport workers staged protests over the previous day’s incidents. The protesters warned that Meghalaya-registered vehicles would not be allowed to enter Assam until the issue was resolved.
A heavy security presence was deployed at Jorabat to prevent any escalation and maintain law and order. Several tourist vehicles travelling from Assam towards Shillong were also reportedly stranded.
The situation triggered fresh concerns over the safety of travellers after an Assam family travelling to Shillong alleged that their vehicle was attacked during Wednesday’s rally. The family said the car’s windows, front windscreen and rear glass were smashed, while their child sustained injuries after broken glass entered the vehicle.
The violence was reported during a black-flag motorcycle rally organised by the KSU in Shillong. Private cars, government vehicles and vehicles bearing Assam registration numbers were among those reportedly targeted. Some individuals involved in the incidents were allegedly masked and pro-KSU slogans were reportedly heard at certain locations, although their identities and affiliations had not been independently established.
Several people were reportedly injured and some vehicles were allegedly set on fire as the situation escalated. The incidents prompted concern among motorists, tourists and transport operators who regularly travel between Assam and Meghalaya.
Transport workers’ unions in Assam condemned the reported attacks and raised concerns over the safety of passengers and commercial operators using the route. Protests at Jorabat intensified on Thursday as workers demanded action over the Shillong incidents.
Authorities stepped up security at Jorabat and monitored vehicular movement along the border to prevent further escalation. The developments raised concerns over possible disruption to transport and tourism between the neighbouring states.
While videos showing violence and damaged vehicles have surfaced, the circumstances surrounding individual attacks and the identities of those responsible remained unclear. Authorities were examining the incidents as part of the investigation into Wednesday’s violence.
