Guwahati, August 22: The vehicle of Meghalaya Chief Secretary Shakil P Ahmed was reportedly stopped at Jorabat on Saturday amid heightened tension along the Assam-Meghalaya border following violence in Shillong and a subsequent blockade of roads leading to Meghalaya.
The Meghalaya Chief Secretary’s vehicle was reportedly prevented from proceeding through Jorabat and remained stranded in the area for some time. The exact circumstances behind the incident were not immediately clear.
The incident came as Assam and Meghalaya authorities continued efforts to restore normalcy following violence during a students’ rally in Shillong on August 19. Meghalaya Police said at least 31 vehicles were damaged, 16 people were injured and two vehicles were set ablaze during the violence.
The developments led to blockades at Jorabat and Khanapara, the main entry points from Assam into Meghalaya, by Assam-based commercial vehicle operators.
The North East Petroleum Mazdoor Union has also announced an indefinite halt to the loading and unloading of petroleum products for Meghalaya until normalcy is restored.
Meanwhile, the Assam government has activated helplines to assist people from the state stranded in Meghalaya or facing difficulties returning home.
