Assam-based cab operators on Saturday suspended their blockade against Meghalaya-registered vehicles at Jorabat, signalling a temporary easing of tensions between the two neighbouring States following a ministerial-level meeting on the safety of drivers and passengers and assurances that action would be taken against those responsible for the violence in Shillong on August 19.
The decision came after Assam Border Protection Minister Atul Bora met Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and subsequently visited the protesters at the blockade site. The suspension of the blockade is, however, conditional, with the operators saying they would await the outcome of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Meghalaya Government to probe the violence and the attacks on Assam-registered vehicles.
“We have decided to suspend the blockade for the time being. The Meghalaya government has formed a Special Investigation Team to enquire into the violence of August 19. We will wait for its findings,” a cab operator said at the blockade site at Jorabat, after a meeting with Bora.
The operator said assurances had also been given regarding compensation for the damage suffered by drivers and vehicles during the violence.
“Our minister has said that Meghalaya will compensate for the damage caused to our drivers and vehicles,” he added.
Bora visited the protesters after his meeting with Dhar, as the two States sought to address the immediate fallout of the August 19 violence and prevent further disruption to inter-State movement.
The suspension of the blockade is expected to ease movement between Assam and Meghalaya, particularly along the Jorabat-Shillong route, which had witnessed restrictions amid heightened tensions following the attacks on Assam-registered vehicles.
A delegation representing the protesting cab operators is scheduled to meet representatives of the Assam Government on Sunday to take forward their demands. The meeting is likely to focus on security assurances, compensation for the damaged vehicles and measures to prevent a recurrence of attacks on Assam-based transport operators travelling to Meghalaya.
The latest development follows violence during a bike rally organised by the Khasi Students’ Union in Shillong on August 19. The rally, which was initially held over a series of demands, later turned violent, with vehicles being attacked and several people injured.
According to the police, at least 31 vehicles, including vehicles registered in Assam, were damaged in the violence, while 16 people were injured.
The Meghalaya Government has since constituted an SIT to identify those involved in the violence and ensure action in accordance with law, amid growing concern over the impact of the incidents on inter-State movement and relations between Assam and Meghalaya.
The decision by the cab operators to suspend the blockade provides a temporary opening for both governments to address the concerns of transport operators and restore normal movement between the two States, even as the protesters await the outcome of the investigation and further discussions with the Assam Government.
Assam Cab Operators Suspend Blockade Against Meghalaya Vehicles After Safety Assurances
