Guwahati, 22 August (HS): Senior officials from Assam and Meghalaya met in Guwahati on Saturday to review the tense situation along the inter-state border following the recent violence in Shillong and continuing protests at Jorabat.

Assam Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora and Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar led the high-level meeting, which focused on restoring normal movement and preventing further escalation between the neighbouring states.

Tensions rose after vehicles carrying tourists from Assam were allegedly attacked during a KSU black-flag protest in Shillong on August 19. Several vehicles were reportedly vandalised and tourists injured in the incident.

Bora termed the Shillong violence “unwarranted and unfortunate” and said Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had promptly spoken to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. He appealed to people in both states to maintain peace, stressing their longstanding ties.

The Shillong incident was followed by protests by motor vehicle workers’ unions in Assam. Demonstrations at Jorabat, a key Assam-Meghalaya entry point, entered their third day, with protesters stopping Meghalaya-registered vehicles and demanding compensation for vehicles damaged in Shillong.

Security was strengthened at Jorabat with the deployment of police and reserve personnel to prevent any untoward incident.

Three senior KSU leaders — president Raymond Kharjana, vice president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet and general secretary Reuben Najiar — were arrested in connection with the Shillong violence.

The latest meeting is expected to pave the way for restoring smooth movement across the border and easing tensions. Bora urged residents of both states not to let isolated incidents damage the longstanding relationship between Assam and Meghalaya.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash