Assam and Meghalaya officials meet in Guwahati after Shillong violence and Jorabat protests fuel tensions between the neighbouring states
Guwahati: Assam and Meghalaya held a high-level meeting in Guwahati on August 22 to address tensions following violence in Shillong and protests along the Assam-Meghalaya border.
Assam Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora and Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar led the meeting at State Guest House No. 1 in Khanapara, attended by senior officials from both states.
The talks followed a Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) black-flag rally on August 19, during which vehicles carrying tourists from Assam were allegedly attacked and damaged. Several people were reportedly injured. Three senior KSU leaders were later arrested in connection with the violence.
The incident triggered protests at Jorabat, where motor vehicle workers demanded compensation for damaged vehicles and action over the attacks. Demonstrations continued for several days amid a heavy security deployment.
Bora described the Shillong violence as “unwarranted and unfortunate” and said Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had spoken with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma following the incident.
Appealing for restraint, Bora said the two states shared a longstanding relationship and urged people on both sides to maintain peace and harmony.
The unrest has also prompted calls for stronger action from organisations in Assam, including the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad, which threatened an economic blockade if attacks continued.
The Guwahati meeting is expected to focus on restoring normal movement across the border, addressing security concerns and preventing further escalation between the neighbouring states.
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