Guwahati, 20 August (HS): The Assam Pradesh BJP on Thursday strongly condemned the violent incidents reported in Shillong and adjoining areas of Meghalaya on Wednesday, alleging that some miscreants targeted tourists and vehicles from Assam during a protest.

Addressing a press conference at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan, Assam BJP State Media Panelist Ashish Bharali termed the violence unacceptable and warned that such incidents could adversely affect relations between Assam and Meghalaya.

Bharali demanded the arrest and strict punishment of all those responsible for the violence. He said that although Assam and Meghalaya are now separate states, the people of Assam continue to share a strong emotional bond with Meghalaya. He also stressed the longstanding sense of unity and fraternity among the northeastern states.

He said that at a time when Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has been taking constructive steps to resolve issues between the two states, including the long-pending border dispute, attacks on tourists and taxi drivers from Assam could create negative sentiment among the people.

The BJP urged the Meghalaya government, political parties, social organisations and citizens to take effective measures to prevent such incidents and address concerns raised by vehicle drivers from Assam.

Expressing solidarity with the protest by vehicle drivers in Assam over Wednesday's incidents, the State BJP appealed to them to ensure that there are no retaliatory incidents in Assam.

The party also urged the governments of Assam and Meghalaya to ensure the safety and security of taxi drivers and tourists travelling between the two states. Bharali said allegations that vehicles from Assam had been attacked in Meghalaya, despite repeated complaints to the police, should be taken seriously.

He further warned that failure to provide adequate security to tourists could negatively affect Meghalaya's tourism sector. He called for immediate measures by both state governments to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

BJP spokesperson Kamal Kumar Medhi was also present at the press conference.

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash