Assam-Meghalaya tensions over tourist vehicles hit Rani border commerce

A CORRESPONDENT

MIRZA: Recent incidents involving Assam-registered commercial vehicles in Shillong have begun to affect the Rani market area along the Assam-Meghalaya border, with the movement of vehicles from Meghalaya declining noticeably.

The development follows the alleged harassment and vandalism of Assam-registered commercial vehicles in Shillong and adjoining areas by members and supporters of the Khasi Students' Union (KSU) on August 19.

The issue stems from demands raised by commercial vehicle drivers' associations, tourism organisations and the KSU, among others, seeking restrictions on Assam-registered commercial vehicles carrying tourists directly to destinations in Meghalaya. According to the demand, such vehicles should drop tourists in Shillong and return instead of travelling to other tourist destinations in the state. The organisations have also demanded implementation of an Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Meghalaya.

Similar demands had led to the alleged harassment of drivers of Assam-registered commercial vehicles in Meghalaya last year. However, fresh incidents were reported from Shillong and adjoining areas from August 19, with KSU members and supporters, some of them wearing black cloth over their faces, allegedly damaging around 40 commercial vehicles from Assam.

There were also reports of taxi drivers and tourists being assaulted at several places. Following the incidents, commercial vehicle drivers' associations and various organisations in Assam staged protests at Jorabat, the interstate entry point between Assam and Meghalaya.

Protesters also reportedly stopped Meghalaya-registered vehicles from entering Guwahati and forced several vehicles to return from Jorabat. The development affected the movement of vehicles, including those involved in essential services. Assam-based organisations also demanded compensation for vehicles allegedly damaged in Meghalaya.

Speaking to this correspondent, journalists from Shillong-based Khasi-language newspapers described the alleged actions against Assam-registered vehicles, drivers and tourists as undemocratic. They observed that in the digital age, incidents spread rapidly through social media and can quickly trigger tension in neighbouring areas.

Meanwhile, the impact of the Shillong incidents has reached the Rani market area. A large number of vehicles normally operate daily between Rani and areas in western Meghalaya, including Jirang, Patharkhmah and Nongkhlaw.

However, following the incidents in Shillong, the number of vehicles coming from Meghalaya to Rani has declined significantly. No passenger vehicle from Meghalaya was seen at Rani market on Friday, indicating the immediate impact of the ongoing tension on cross-border movement.

Also Read: Assam–Meghalaya Vehicle Blockade Partially Suspended as States Pledge Safe Passage, Economic Concerns Persist