Assam cab operators suspend Meghalaya blockade after ministerial talks

Assam cab operators on Saturday called off their blockade against Meghalaya-registered vehicles after receiving safety assurances following a ministerial-level meeting between the two states.

The decision came after talks between Assam Border Protection Minister Atul Bora and Meghalaya Deputy CM S Dhar.

"We have decided to suspend the blockade for the time being. The Meghalaya government has formed a Special Investigation Team to enquire into the violence of August 19. We will wait for its findings," a cab operator said at the blockade site in Jorabat, following his meeting with Bora.

"Our minister has said that Meghalaya will compensate for the damage caused to our drivers and vehicles," he added.

Bora visited the protest site after his meeting with Dhar.

A delegation representing the protesters is set to meet Assam government officials on Sunday to further pursue their demands.

The unrest stemmed from violence during a bike rally organised by the Khasi Students' Union in Shillong on August 19, during which at least 31 vehicles — including some belonging to Assam residents — were damaged and 16 people were injured, according to police.

Following the incident, commercial vehicle operators in Assam began blocking traffic to Meghalaya at Jorabat and Khanapara, the state's main entry points, starting Thursday.

The blockade was later extended to additional entry points into Meghalaya from Guwahati on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Meghalaya government on Saturday expressed regret over the violence during a recent students' rally in Shillong, in which Assam residents were allegedly targeted.  (with inputs from PTI)