Guwahati, August 21: Guwahati-based cab operators continued their blockade of traffic to Meghalaya for a second consecutive day on Friday following alleged attacks on people from Assam during a Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) rally in Shillong.
The blockade at Jorabat and Khanapara, the main entry points to Meghalaya, disrupted passenger and goods movement between the two states. The protest began on Thursday after violence during the KSU bike rally on Wednesday. Meghalaya Police said 31 vehicles were damaged, 16 people injured and two vehicles set ablaze.
Passengers travelling between Assam and Meghalaya were forced to change vehicles at the inter-state border, while several goods vehicles remained stranded. Protesters said vehicles carrying essential services were being allowed to pass.
Cab operators demanded assurances on the safety of drivers and vehicles from Assam travelling in Meghalaya and questioned whether the telephonic conversation between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had addressed their concerns.
Amid reports of people from Assam being stranded in Meghalaya, Assam Police activated helplines to assist those facing difficulties. People can contact the WhatsApp helpline at 9181014888 and the landline at 03612381511. Police urged relatives and others to share details of stranded persons or vehicles through the helplines for coordination with Meghalaya authorities.
Sarma and Sangma spoke by telephone on Thursday and agreed to work together to restore peace and normalcy. Sarma also asked Assam Border Protection Minister Atul Bora to coordinate with Meghalaya authorities.
The blockade continued amid heightened security and efforts by authorities in both states to prevent further escalation.
