Guwahati, 22 August (HS): The vehicle of Meghalaya Chief Secretary Shakil P Ahmed was reportedly stopped at Jorabat on Saturday amid escalating tension along the Assam-Meghalaya border.

According to reports, the official vehicle was prevented from proceeding towards Meghalaya and remained stranded at Jorabat for some time. The incident occurred against the backdrop of heightened tensions following alleged attacks on people from Assam during a students’ rally in Shillong and a subsequent road blockade by Assam-based commercial vehicle operators.

The latest development comes after violence in Shillong on August 19, during which Meghalaya Police reported damage to at least 31 vehicles, including vehicles registered in Assam. Sixteen people were injured and two vehicles were also set ablaze in the incident.

Following the violence, traffic movement towards Meghalaya has been disrupted at Jorabat and Khanapara, the two major entry points from Assam. The North East Petroleum Mazdoor Union has meanwhile announced an indefinite suspension of the loading and unloading of petroleum products destined for Meghalaya until normalcy returns.

The Assam government has also remained in contact with Meghalaya authorities in an effort to ease the situation. Helplines have been activated to assist people from Assam who are stranded in Meghalaya or facing difficulties in returning home.

The circumstances surrounding the stopping of the Meghalaya Chief Secretary’s vehicle at Jorabat were not immediately known.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash