Movement of Meghalaya-registered vehicles was restricted at Jorabat as security was stepped up amid concerns over further escalation
Jorabat: Tension along the Assam-Meghalaya border remained high on Thursday after violence during a Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) motorcycle rally in Shillong triggered protests among transport workers in Assam.
At Jorabat, a key gateway between the two states, Assam-based drivers and transport operators protested and reportedly restricted the movement of Meghalaya-registered vehicles.
The disruption affected inter-state traffic, with passengers and tourists facing delays and some vehicles reportedly stranded. Security was strengthened at Jorabat to prevent confrontations and maintain the movement of essential traffic.
Concerns over traveller safety grew after an Assam-based family alleged that their vehicle was attacked while they were travelling towards Shillong during the KSU rally. The family claimed the car’s front windshield, rear glass and side windows were damaged, while their child sustained injuries after shattered glass entered the vehicle.
The developments followed a black-flag motorcycle rally organised by the KSU in Shillong on Wednesday. The protest turned violent at several locations, with reports of assaults, stone-pelting and damage to vehicles.
Private cars, government vehicles and vehicles bearing Assam registration numbers were reportedly among those affected. There were also reports of vehicles being set ablaze and people sustaining injuries.
Transport workers in Assam said the developments had raised concerns over the safety of drivers, passengers, tourists and commercial vehicles using the Assam-Meghalaya route.
The disruption has also affected tourism-related transport operators, with some Assam-based vehicles reportedly facing difficulties travelling towards Shillong. Security personnel have been deployed at Jorabat and other sensitive locations, while authorities continue to monitor the situation and vehicle movement.
Also Read: KSU Rally Turns Violent in Shillong: Three Top Leaders Arrested
