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Cab operators and transport workers continued to block the Assam-Meghalaya highway at Jorabat on Friday, protesting alleged attacks on Assam residents and vehicles during violence in Shillong, despite talks between the two states’ chief ministers to restore normalcy. Assam Police also opened helplines to assist stranded passengers and those facing difficulties travelling in Meghalaya.
The violence was triggered during a “black-flag” motorcycle rally by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Wednesday, demanding recruitment reforms and implementation of security acts. Protesters vandalised and set ablaze vehicles, including those with Assam registration numbers, and damaged a glass panel of a statue of philosopher Swami Vivekananda.
Assam cab operators prevented Meghalaya-registered vehicles from entering the state in protest against the violence that left many from their state injured and traumatised. They alleged that Assam-registered vehicles were targeted during the KSU rally. The Assam protesters said they would not allow Meghalaya-registered cars to enter until action is taken over the attacks on their vehicles in Shillong. “The tourists first come to Guwahati, and then go to Meghalaya. We have faced harassment while taking passengers to Meghalaya. But what happened on Wednesday was a clear attack on people from Assam, and it has to be answered,” a protester said.
Assam Police deployed additional forces near the Meghalaya border. The protesters said they were allowing essential services, including ambulances, to pass.
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