Our Bureau
SHILLONG/TURA: Meghalaya has taken up with Assam the threat of an economic blockade issued by a student organisation in the neighbouring state.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who is also the Home Minister, said both governments are working to resolve the issue.
Stating that there appears to be some misunderstanding between the NGOs and the government, he said he will ensure that no such blockade is imposed against Meghalaya.
Tensions on the interstate border escalated as the Phulbari regional unit of Garo Students’ Union warned of a “proportionate” counter-blockade against Assam, responding to All Assam Minority Students Union’s (AAMSU) call for economic sanctions over the controversial labour entry ban in Garo Hills.
The stand-off followed a recent meeting organised by AAMSU at Mankachar in South Salmara district, where it protested the denial of entry to migrant workers and traders into Meghalaya.
The A·chik State Peoples’ Front (ASPF) has taken exception to AAMSU’s reported interference with vegetable vendors and its alleged attempt to impose de facto economic restrictions within the Garo Hills region.
“Such action, if substantiated, prima facie violates the constitutional guarantees enshrined under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India, which secures the right to practise any profession or to carry on any occupation, trade, or business. Any obstruction of lawful commerce, intimidation of vendors, or coercive restriction of supply chains is not only unauthorised but also liable to attract civil and criminal consequences under applicable laws,” ASPF general secretary Bernita Marak said in an “open letter” on Tuesday.
Marak reminded that the Garo Hills region falls under the protective framework of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which provides for autonomous governance and safeguards the rights, customs, and economic interests of indigenous communities. The letter warned that any attempt to undermine or destabilise these protections, directly or indirectly, would be viewed with utmost seriousness.
The organisation urged AAMSU to desist from any actions that impede the free flow of goods, intimidate vendors, or disrupt lawful market activities, warning that failure to comply would leave the affected parties with no option but to seek appropriate remedies from competent authorities and courts, including compensation claims, and initiation of criminal proceedings where warranted.
