SHILLONG: Tourist taxi services between Assam and Meghalaya resumed on Monday, August 24, after Meghalaya’s tourist taxi associations temporarily withdrew their blockade at Umiam, allowing Assam-registered tourist vehicles to enter the state.
The development brought temporary relief to tourists and transport operators affected by the ongoing dispute over inter-State vehicle movement. The Umiam route is a key corridor for tourists travelling from Guwahati to destinations across Meghalaya.
The blockade had disrupted Assam-based tourist taxi services amid tensions between transport operators from the two states. Following discussions among Meghalaya’s tourist taxi associations, the blockade was temporarily lifted and Assam-registered tourist vehicles were allowed to resume services.
However, the move remains temporary, with the broader dispute yet to be resolved. The standoff has raised concerns for the tourism sector, which depends heavily on uninterrupted road connectivity between Assam and Meghalaya.
Authorities and transport representatives are continuing efforts to de-escalate the situation and find a lasting solution.
Meanwhile, 15 FIRs have been registered in connection with incidents related to the dispute, while five masked persons allegedly involved in the August 19 violence have been identified.
The withdrawal of the Umiam blockade has restored movement along the route for the time being, with further discussions expected to determine whether the relaxation will lead to a broader settlement.
