“No End to Cab Crisis”: Assam Meghalaya Tensions Escalate as Vehicles Stopped Near Shillong

Shillong: Tensions between commercial vehicle operators from Assam and Meghalaya continued to affect interstate transport, with a fresh protest near Shillong resulting in Assam registered vehicles being stopped at the border.
The situation at Jorabat on the Assam Meghalaya border showed some signs of easing after seven Assam based motor, cab and indigenous organisations agreed to withdraw their blockade for the day. The decision allowed Meghalaya registered private and commercial vehicles to enter Assam.
However, tensions remained high near Shillong, where members and leaders of the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association and the All Shillong Taxi Association gathered at Umiam and stopped vehicles arriving from Assam.
The associations accused the Meghalaya government of failing to adequately address their concerns following a series of incidents involving commercial vehicles from the two states. They also alleged that the government had treated Meghalaya operators unfairly.
Association leaders pointed to discussions between the Assam and Meghalaya governments, claiming that compensation had been discussed for Assam vehicle owners whose vehicles were damaged in Shillong, while similar assistance for Meghalaya commercial vehicles reportedly damaged in Assam had not been addressed.
Amid continuing safety concerns, Meghalaya registered tourist vehicle operators have decided to drop passengers at Jorabat before returning to the state instead of travelling further into Assam. Operators have also opposed the entry of Assam registered vehicles into Meghalaya, citing concerns over the safety of drivers and passengers.
The Meghalaya government is now preparing a high level meeting involving the transport commissioners of both states. The meeting, expected by September 10, will address longstanding complaints from transport associations, particularly difficulties faced by Meghalaya drivers travelling to Guwahati and other parts of Assam.
Tourist taxi associations from both states are also expected to participate in the discussions. The immediate objective is to restore safe and uninterrupted movement while preventing further confrontation between transport operators.
For now, the situation at Jorabat remains relatively calm following the temporary withdrawal of the blockade. Authorities, however, continue to monitor developments around Borapani, where Meghalaya Police remain deployed.
The ongoing dispute has highlighted growing concerns among transport operators over safety, compensation and interstate vehicle movement, with authorities under pressure to find a lasting solution.