Nongpoh, September 18: A few days after the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) imposed restrictions on Assam-registered commercial vehicles from entering tourist destinations in Meghalaya, tensions escalated on Thursday morning when hundreds of people from Assam blocked Meghalaya vehicles at Jorabat.
The blockade, which began around 8 a.m., prevented all Meghalaya-registered vehicles—including private cars, commercial taxis, and even government vehicles (ML-01)—from entering Assam. Only ambulances were exempted. Vehicles approaching the Assam side of the Jorabat bridge were turned back, with not a single Meghalaya car allowed to pass.
Eyewitnesses reported that despite the presence of senior police officials and magistrates from both Meghalaya and Assam, the large crowd of protesters made it impossible for authorities to intervene effectively.
Later in the day, Ri Bhoi magistrate Andrew Myrthong, accompanied by Additional SP Orville Massar, held discussions with Assam Transport officials and leaders of the agitating drivers’ groups. The Assam representatives clarified that the blockade was not initiated by them but was a reaction to the earlier ban imposed by AKMTTA in Meghalaya.
They further insisted that unless the Meghalaya government acted against AKMTTA’s blockade, they would continue to restrict Meghalaya vehicles in Assam. They also demanded a written assurance instead of verbal commitments.
Magistrate Myrthong highlighted that the blockade had severely disrupted movement not only between Meghalaya and Assam but also for commuters from across India and abroad who travel through the national highway. He appealed to the Assam officials and driver leaders to lift the blockade, assuring them that the Meghalaya government was actively engaging with Assam authorities to resolve the issue.
Since Thursday was a holiday, Myrthong sought two days’ time to allow both governments to work out a settlement in the interest of the public.
Following several hours of talks, an understanding was reached, and the Assam drivers’ group eventually agreed to allow Meghalaya vehicles to pass into Assam.
