Assam Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora and Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar held a high-level meeting with senior officials of both states in Guwahati on Saturday to discuss tensions following the August 19 violence in Shillong and subsequent protests at Jorabat.
The meeting came after vehicles carrying tourists from Assam were allegedly attacked during a Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) black-flag protest in Shillong. Several vehicles were vandalised and some tourists were reportedly injured. Three senior KSU leaders were later arrested in connection with the violence.
Bora described the Shillong incident as “unwarranted and unfortunate” and said Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had spoken to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma following the violence. He appealed to people of both states to maintain peace and harmony, stressing their longstanding relationship.
The Shillong violence triggered protests by motor vehicle workers’ unions in Assam, with demonstrations at Jorabat, a key entry point to Meghalaya. Protesters prevented some Meghalaya-registered vehicles from entering Assam and demanded compensation for vehicles damaged in Shillong and an apology from the authorities concerned.
A substantial police deployment was made at Jorabat to prevent escalation. A protesting cab driver said transport workers wanted a resolution and compensation for damaged vehicles, while also calling for compensation for any Meghalaya vehicles damaged during the protests.
The tensions also prompted calls for stronger action from organisations in Assam, including the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad, which called for an economic blockade and issued a warning over continued attacks on Assamese people in Shillong.
The latest meeting is expected to focus on restoring normal movement across the inter-state border and preventing further escalation.
