SHILLONG: Security has been stepped up along the Assam-Meghalaya border at Jorabat, with both states deploying forces amid reports of passengers being asked to disembark at Khanapara and allegations of attacks on Meghalaya-registered vehicles.
Ri-Bhoi Superintendent of Police Giri Prasad said the situation at Jorabat remained peaceful, with no incident officially reported so far. He said the district administration was in close coordination with its Assam counterparts and was closely monitoring the situation.
“So far presently in Jorabat the situation is peaceful, no incidents have been reported,” Prasad said.
Meanwhile, passengers travelling towards Meghalaya were reportedly asked to get down at Khanapara on the Assam-Meghalaya border amid the tense situation along the route.
A video message circulating from the area claimed that passengers travelling towards Meghalaya, whether from Assam or Meghalaya, had been asked to disembark at Khanapara. It also urged people to avoid travelling towards the area for the day and stated that media personnel were present at the spot.
The situation reportedly escalated after Meghalaya-registered vehicles were allegedly attacked, with the windows of some vehicles smashed. However, police said there was no official report of vehicle vandalisation so far.
Prasad said Assam had also deployed forces on its side of the border, while Meghalaya had deployed personnel at Jorabat to ensure close coordination and prevent any law-and-order situation.
“They have deployed force from there side also,” he said.
He said ensuring the safety of commuters travelling between Guwahati and Ri-Bhoi remained the administration’s primary concern.
“For us the main is the public safety for all travelling and commuting via Guwahati and Ri Bhoi,” Prasad said.
The heightened security comes amid tension following the Khasi Students’ Union bike rally in Shillong, which turned violent, with several vehicles reportedly vandalised and people assaulted.
Authorities in both states are maintaining close coordination and keeping a watch on the border situation to prevent any further escalation.
