Shillong, 22 August (HS): Long queues formed outside petrol stations across Shillong from Friday evening as residents rushed to fill their vehicles amid growing concerns over a possible disruption in fuel supplies to Meghalaya. The anxiety came against the backdrop of a road blockade at Jorabat on the outskirts of Guwahati, which entered its third consecutive day.

The blockade followed protests over alleged attacks on Assam-registered vehicles and tourists in Shillong during a Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) black-flag rally on August 19. Several vehicles were reportedly damaged, while some tourists were injured in the violence.

At Jorabat, protesters continued to stop Meghalaya-registered vehicles and ask them to turn back. A substantial deployment of police and reserve forces remained in the area to prevent the situation from escalating.

The developments have sparked concerns over the movement of vehicles and the supply of essential commodities between Assam and Meghalaya. In Shillong, rumours of a possible interruption in petrol supplies prompted motorists to queue up at fuel stations. Messages circulating on social media claiming that the Petroleum Mazdoor Union had decided to stop fuel supplies further fuelled the apprehension.

The rush at petrol pumps also resulted in traffic congestion at several locations, with lines of vehicles stretching onto major roads as motorists waited to refuel.

Meanwhile, protesting cab drivers on the Assam side have sought an early settlement of the dispute, along with compensation for vehicles damaged during the Shillong violence and an apology from the authorities concerned.

The protesters have also demanded compensation for any damage caused to Meghalaya-registered vehicles. They said the concerns raised by the KSU should be resolved through dialogue instead of confrontation.

A cab driver participating in the protest at Jorabat said the agitation had continued as no settlement had been reached.

“We want a solution, but it has already been three days. We want compensation for the damage caused to us, and whatever damage Meghalaya vehicles have suffered should also be compensated,” he said.

The protester urged the governments of Assam and Meghalaya to step in without further delay, stressing that the actions of a few individuals should not create hardship for ordinary people in the two neighbouring states.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash