Guwahati, 24 August (HS): Normal vehicular movement between Assam and Meghalaya has temporarily resumed following a crucial meeting between the Meghalaya government and various tourist taxi associations, bringing relief to thousands of commuters and tourists affected by a five-day transport blockade.

Under the agreement, commercial and tourist vehicles from both states will be allowed to operate without restriction, intimidation or obstruction. The breakthrough came after discussions led by Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and senior state government officials.

A joint meeting involving transport authorities and taxi stakeholders from Assam and Meghalaya is expected to be held around September 10 to work out a permanent solution to the dispute.

Meanwhile, the Meghalaya government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to address security concerns. Fifteen FIRs have been registered, while five persons allegedly involved in the initial violence have been identified.

The standoff escalated after a bike rally organised by the Khasi Students' Union (KSU) in Shillong on August 19, during which several Assam-registered vehicles were reportedly vandalised. In retaliation, Assam taxi operators blocked Meghalaya-registered commercial vehicles at key border points, including Jorabat and Khanapara, disrupting the major transport corridor between Guwahati and Shillong.

The dispute also reflects long-standing differences over demands by local Meghalaya taxi unions to restrict out-of-state commercial vehicles from conducting local sightseeing tours in the state. The temporary agreement is expected to ease tensions and restore normal transport connectivity between the two neighbouring states.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash