Shillong: Travel between Assam and Meghalaya was thrown into chaos on Thursday after a dispute between tourist taxi unions of the two states escalated into a blockade at Jorabat, leaving passengers stranded for hours.
The confrontation stemmed from the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) restricting the entry of Assam-registered cabs earlier this week at several points in Meghalaya, arguing that unrestricted operations by outside vehicles were threatening local livelihoods.
In retaliation, Assam-based transport unions barred Meghalaya taxis from major hubs such as Guwahati Railway Station, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport and finally at the interstate border.
Tourists and commuters were left stranded or forced to turn back as tensions mounted.
While the blockade intensified, former Meghalaya Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh urged the AKMTTA to seek direct dialogue with their Assam counterparts, warning that prolonged disruptions could severely cripple tourism.
The association has been pressing for a Reciprocal Transport Agreement and reforms in Meghalaya’s transport policy.
The situation prompted urgent discussions at Jorabat, where Ri Bhoi magistrate Andrew Myrthong, accompanied by Additional SP Orville Massar, met Assam transport officials and leaders of the protesting groups.
Assam representatives insisted their blockade was only a reaction to the restrictions imposed in Meghalaya and demanded written assurances of corrective action.
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Myrthong highlighted the larger impact of the impasse, noting that the blockade had disrupted not just interstate commuters but also national and international travellers using the vital highway.
Seeking two days’ time to work out a solution, he appealed for the blockade to be lifted.
After hours of negotiation, an understanding was reached, and Assam drivers agreed to allow Meghalaya taxis to move into Assam.
However, unions in both states have cautioned that further confrontation is likely if their concerns remain unaddressed.
