The governments of Assam and Meghalaya have agreed to take joint measures to restore safe interstate movement and prevent further escalation following the August 19 violence in Shillong. This decision was made during a meeting in Guwahati, led by Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and Assam Minister Atul Bora. The meeting resulted in several key agreements, including the establishment of dedicated helplines, permanent district-level coordination committees, and arrangements for the safe movement of tourists and vehicles along National Highways.
A coordination mechanism will link the IG, Special Branch, Assam, with the IG, Law and Order, Meghalaya, to facilitate communication and cooperation between the two states. To support stranded travellers, dedicated helplines and an online support forum have been set up. The WhatsApp helpline is 810147888, and the landline is 0361-2381511.
Permanent joint committees comprising officials from Nongpoh and Kamrup Metropolitan and police officers will address border issues, while another committee of transport authorities and tourist vehicle associations will oversee tourist transport. The states have also agreed to ensure secure transit for vehicles travelling between Assam and Meghalaya, including those from Barak Valley and travellers from Meghalaya. Meghalaya expressed regret over the incident and reiterated its responsibility for the safety of tourists and vehicles.
The Meghalaya government has arrested the KSU president, vice-president, and general secretary under the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act and registered 15 FIRs in connection with the violence. Meanwhile, Meghalaya Police has constituted a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the violence, arson, vandalism, and assaults during and after the Khasi Students’ Union two-wheeler rally and black flag march in Shillong on August 19. The SIT will identify and apprehend those involved by analysing CCTV footage and other evidence.
In a related development, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has welcomed the resumption of inter-state bus services, which he believes will provide relief to people, particularly students studying outside the state and those travelling for medical treatment. The Chief Minister’s comments came as public transport services resumed along the Imphal-Dimapur (Nagaland)-Guwahati National Highway (NH-2) for the second consecutive day without any untoward incident.
