The Assam-Meghalaya border at Jorabat remained blocked for the second consecutive day on Friday, disrupting the movement of vehicles and affecting fuel supplies to Meghalaya. The situation triggered a massive rush at petrol pumps across Shillong as Meghalaya-bound fuel tankers were prevented from loading at terminals in Assam.
Assam transport associations stopped Meghalaya-registered vehicles at Jorabat, while the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) blocked Assam-bound vehicles at Byrnihat. The All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association also continued its blockade of Assam vehicles at Umiam.
At Jorabat, protesters blocked both incoming and outgoing roads and erected a makeshift shelter on the highway. Ambulances were allowed to pass, but private, commercial and government vehicles registered in Meghalaya were stopped and turned back.
The protesters said the blockade was in response to the violence during the Khasi Students’ Union bike rally in Shillong on August 19, during which Assam-registered vehicles were allegedly targeted. They said ordinary citizens should not be made to suffer because of political protests and maintained that the blockade would continue until the Meghalaya government engaged with them.
The situation remained unchanged despite Meghalaya Home Minister Prestone Tynsong stating on Thursday that the issue had been resolved and traffic movement had returned to normal.
A joint committee comprising Cabinet Ministers from Assam and Meghalaya has been formed to address the issue. Assam Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora said the Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police of both states were in regular contact to restore normal movement along the border.
Helpline numbers have also been activated for Assam tourists stranded in Meghalaya.
Meanwhile, the Petroleum Mazdoor Union has stopped loading Meghalaya-bound tankers at the Betkuchi IOCL and HPCL terminals and the Numaligarh BPCL terminal in Assam. The Meghalaya government has approached the union to find a solution and ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies.
Petrol pump owners in Meghalaya said they currently have sufficient stocks to meet demand for around a week, although the continuing blockade has raised concerns over future supplies.
The Food and Civil Supplies Department has written to the Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner, seeking immediate coordination with Assam authorities, transporters, petroleum workers’ unions and oil companies to address the situation.
The All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association continued its protest at Umiam, demanding reciprocal treatment for Meghalaya tourist taxis travelling in Assam. The association has also proposed Jorabat as a common cut-off point for tourist vehicles from both states.
Authorities in Assam and Meghalaya have appealed for calm and urged all sides to work towards an early resolution of the dispute.
