Assam-Meghalaya Tension Escalates: Jorabat Blockade Enters 2nd Day After Shillong Violence
Tensions between Assam and Meghalaya continued to impact interstate transport as a blockade at Jorabat entered its second day, following violence reported during a Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) rally in Shillong. Protesters at the border have continued stopping Meghalaya-registered vehicles, threatening to intensify their demonstration unless authorities address their demands. Demonstrators are seeking action against those responsible for the attacks in Shillong, as well as firm guarantees for the safety of Assam residents and commercial vehicle operators traveling through Meghalaya. Protesters highlighted that private vehicles and passengers, including children, were targeted during the Shillong unrest, stressing that the movement reflects broader safety concerns across the transport sector rather than just taxi drivers. They also called for a formal written response from both state governments before lifting vehicle restrictions along the route.
The ongoing blockade has disrupted regular traffic along the vital Guwahati-Shillong corridor, forcing several Assam-based drivers attempting to enter Meghalaya through Byrnihat to turn back due to security concerns. Responding to the situation, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong condemned the violence during the rally and announced that the state has invoked the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order (MMPO) Act to ensure strict legal action against perpetrators. He noted that authorities are using drones and CCTV footage to identify individuals involved in vandalism and property damage. Tynsong appealed for calm, reassuring the public that measures are being taken to protect livelihoods and business operations. Additionally, police and administration officials in Ri-Bhoi district remain in close coordination with their Assam counterparts to defuse the situation, restore vehicle movement, and maintain peace along the shared border.
