SHILLONG: The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) have expressed disappointment over the recent incident at Umtyngar, where private and commercial vehicles from Assam were stopped and denied entry into Meghalaya.
Both the unions, under the aegis of the North East Students’ Organization (NESO), held a serious discussion on the matter.
In a joint statement, both the AASU and KSU condemned the Hynniewtrep National Youth Federation (HNYF) for obstructing Assam-registered vehicles from travelling to Sohra and Dawki in Meghalaya’s Umtyngar on July 26.
“The AASU and KSU are perturbed to witness that tourist carrying vehicles from Assam, both of private and commercial registration, are being stopped at several places in Meghalaya and denied entry to the state,” the joint press release stated.
The Khasi students’ body, however, stated that it was unaware of any such attempt to stop Assam-registered vehicles into the state and condemned such actions.
AASU president Utpal Sarma, general secretary Sankor Jyoti Barua, KSU president Lambokstarwell Marngar, and general secretary Donald V. Thabah emphasized the longstanding efforts of both unions to strengthen friendly relations between the people of Assam and Meghalaya.
The KSU emphasized the need for a constructive dialogue between the Assam and Meghalaya governments to resolve the issue permanently.
KSU stated, “Tourists and vehicles carrying tourists from Assam should be able to visit Meghalaya without any hindrance. A comprehensive discussion between the two states is crucial to find a lasting solution.”
The organization further appealed to tourist taxi associations of both states to maintain harmonious relations and foster mutual understanding.
“The AASU and KSU are dedicated to continuing this affirmative effort to foster unity and cooperation between the two states,” the statement said.
