Guwahati, 23 August (HS): Normal movement of vehicles between Assam and Meghalaya may continue to remain disrupted till September 10 amid ongoing protests in Meghalaya, even as efforts are underway to resolve the situation through dialogue.

Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar held a meeting with representatives of four protesting organisations to discuss the prevailing situation and ways to restore normal movement between the two states.

Sources said the issue is unlikely to be resolved immediately and a broader dialogue involving stakeholders from different sections of both Assam and Meghalaya may be required before normalcy is fully restored.

The development comes after Assam-registered vehicles heading towards Shillong were reportedly stopped and turned back from Barapani on Sunday, despite an agreement reached a day earlier between representatives of the two state governments to ensure safe movement of vehicles, passengers and tourists.

The latest developments have raised concerns over the restoration of inter-state connectivity, particularly after violence in Shillong on August 19. Both states had agreed to strengthen coordination between their administrations and police forces and establish mechanisms to address recurring inter-state issues.

The situation is being closely monitored as efforts continue to bring all stakeholders to the negotiating table and restore safe and uninterrupted movement between Assam and Meghalaya.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash