Guwahati: Tension along the Assam-Meghalaya border intensified on Thursday after Meghalaya-registered vehicles were reportedly stopped at Jorabat on the Assam side, a day after violence broke out during a Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) motorcycle rally in Shillong.
The reported stoppage came amid growing anger following Wednesday’s unrest in Shillong, where several vehicles were allegedly vandalised, civilians assaulted and government vehicles set on fire. Vehicles bearing Assam registration numbers were also reportedly targeted during the violence.
Following the incidents, Meghalaya-registered vehicles travelling through Jorabat were reportedly stopped, raising concerns about possible retaliatory action against commuters and motorists from the neighbouring state.
The development has sparked fears of further tension along the interstate border, particularly if vehicles or passengers from either state are targeted in response to the Shillong violence.
Jorabat serves as a major transit point connecting Guwahati with Meghalaya and witnesses significant movement of commuters, tourists, passenger vehicles, and commercial transport every day. Any escalation in the area could disrupt traffic and affect regular movement between the two states.
The situation remains sensitive in Meghalaya following the KSU rally, which was organised over the organisation’s five-point charter of demands. Police have initiated action against individuals allegedly involved in the violence, while concerns remain over the potential impact of the unrest on movement between Assam and Meghalaya.