By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 28: A viral clip of an alleged assault on an Assam-based tourist taxi driver at Khyndai Lad has triggered anxiety among local operators, with many Meghalaya drivers fearing possible backlash from their counterparts in Assam amid a history of tense interstate dynamics.
The incident, reported near Khyndai Lad on Tuesday, shows the driver being confronted and allegedly attacked by individuals linked to local taxi operations.
In a circulated audio message, the driver is heard appealing to his union back in Assam for support, stating that he had briefly halted his vehicle while waiting for a passenger who had stepped out.
He indicated that two individuals questioned him over parking and demanded a fee, and despite agreeing to move, he was threatened. He further conveyed that when he attempted to leave, his keys were snatched and he was assaulted, leaving him with a bleeding nose.
He added that he managed to leave only after paying Rs 100, while maintaining that he possessed all valid documents and was not ferrying passengers illegally.
The development has raised concerns among Meghalaya-based drivers, who fear retaliatory action similar to recent tensions witnessed along the inter-state corridor.
Drivers pointed out that confrontation at Khyndai Lad is not uncommon. Apart from past incidents of assault, a recent episode had also gone viral after a YouTuber live-streamed a scuffle between drivers competing for a passenger he was travelling with, highlighting frequent disputes over customers in the area. Earlier a Meghalaya-based cabbie was also assaulted by a parking attendant in Assam leading to protest and dialogues between the taxi unions to resolve the matter.
In September last year, protests at Jorabat over restrictions on Assam-registered tourist vehicles had escalated, leading to the blockade of a vehicle carrying Rakkam A. Sangma. He later continued his journey under Assam Police escort, while several Meghalaya tourist taxis were reportedly turned back.
The protest was in retaliation to the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association’s demand for a ban on Assam-based tourist taxis from operating in key tourist destinations across the state.
