Guwahati: Cab operators based in Guwahati continued their blockade at Jorabat and Khanapara along the Assam-Meghalaya border on Friday, a day after the protest began over alleged attacks on people from Assam during a student rally in Shillong.
The road blockade has affected the movement of passengers and goods between Assam and Meghalaya, with travellers changing vehicles at the border and several goods vehicles stuck on either side.
The protest started on Thursday following violence during a motorcycle rally organised by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) in Shillong on Wednesday. Meghalaya Police said 31 vehicles were damaged, 16 people suffered injuries and two vehicles were burnt.
Protesters said vehicles involved in essential services were being allowed to cross the blockade.
A cab operator at Jorabat said transporters wanted a permanent solution to repeated problems faced by drivers and vehicles from Assam in Meghalaya. He also said the phone conversation between the two chief ministers had not removed their concerns and called for safety assurances.
Another protester accused the Assam government of not taking steps to address the transporters’ concerns and said no official had approached them.
The Assam government has set up helplines for people from the state who are stuck in Meghalaya or facing problems while travelling there.
Assam Police said the WhatsApp helpline can be reached at 9181014888 and the landline at 03612381511. Family members, relatives and others can provide information about stranded people or vehicles through these numbers.
The information will be shared with Meghalaya’s local administration and police to coordinate assistance, Assam Police said.
The police added that the Assam government was in contact with Meghalaya authorities and asked people to remain calm and use only verified information.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma discussed the situation in Shillong over the phone on Thursday and agreed to jointly work towards improving the situation between the neighbouring states.
Sarma said Assam Border Protection Minister Atul Bora would liaise with Meghalaya officials and coordinate efforts to address the situation.
The blockade follows the incidents in Shillong on Wednesday, with authorities in Assam and Meghalaya working to prevent a further escalation.