GUWAHATI, Aug 20: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday spoke with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma following the violence in Shillong on August 19 and the subsequent reactions that affected commuters and the public in both states.
The two Chief Ministers agreed to work together to de-escalate the situation and restore normalcy. Designated Cabinet Ministers from Assam and Meghalaya will meet to take the discussions forward and explore measures to restore peace, trust and normal movement between the neighbouring states.
Sangma appealed to people in both states to exercise restraint and maintain peace and harmony, stressing the longstanding ties between Assam and Meghalaya.
The intervention came amid reports of disruptions affecting the movement of vehicles between the two states following Wednesday’s violence during a Khasi Students’ Union rally in Shillong. The involvement of Cabinet Ministers from both sides is expected to provide a formal channel for discussions on the concerns affecting commuters, transport operators and residents.
The development assumed significance as tensions remained heightened along parts of the Assam-Meghalaya border. The two governments sought to address the situation through direct engagement and prevent further escalation while working towards restoring public confidence and normal movement.
