The blockade and protest at Jorabat have been temporarily called off following high-level talks between the Governments of Meghalaya and Assam, with both states agreeing to strengthen security, facilitate the safe movement of vehicles and travellers, and take action against those responsible for the violence in Shillong on August 19.
The development followed a high-level joint review meeting held on August 22 at the Koinadhara State Guest House. The three-hour meeting was co-chaired by Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Dr S. Dhar and Assam Minister Atul Bora, along with senior administrative and police officials from both states.
The meeting focused on the law and order situation following the Shillong violence, the safe transit of stranded passengers and vehicles, and measures to prevent further disruption along the inter-state border.
During the deliberations, the Meghalaya Government expressed its regret over the violence in Shillong and assured the Assam Government that strong legal action would be taken against those responsible.
Meghalaya representatives said the President, Vice-President and General Secretary of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) had been arrested under the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act.
A total of 15 First Information Reports (FIRs) have so far been registered in connection with the violence. Police have also identified five masked individuals allegedly involved in targeted attacks on Assam-registered vehicles.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to identify and apprehend those responsible for the violence, particularly those involved in attacks on vehicles from Assam, and ensure their prosecution under the law.
Following the meeting, Assam Minister Atul Bora, accompanied by Guwahati Police Commissioner Partha Sarathi Mahanta, met protesting drivers and Assam-based civil society organisations at Jorabat.
The protesters were informed that the Meghalaya Government had agreed to compensate those affected by vehicle damage and injuries. They were also assured that security measures would be strengthened and that the SIT would pursue legal action against the perpetrators.
Satisfied with the assurances, the protesters temporarily suspended their agitation and called off the blockade.
They, however, warned that the protest could resume if the Meghalaya Government fails to fulfil its commitments on compensation and security.
Meanwhile, significant progress has been reported in efforts to restore the movement of vehicles and assist stranded travellers.
More than 3,770 Assam-registered vehicles have already been safely escorted across the state border into Assam. Dedicated control rooms established by both states have also been assisting people in distress.
The Assam Control Room received 54 distress calls involving 175 people, including passengers in 22 private vehicles and five tourist vehicles. Evacuation assistance has been provided to those requiring help.
The Meghalaya Control Room received 379 distress calls and implemented immediate safety measures to assist affected travellers.
The majority of stranded vehicles, including a backlog of around 400 to 500 vehicles that had previously been held up in Meghalaya, have now moved through critical transit points, including the Umiam Lake stretch.
Both governments assured that any remaining stranded passengers or vehicles would be safely escorted into Assam within the next 48 hours. They also reiterated their commitment to assisting tourists and drivers who wish to return home.
To prevent further escalation and ensure continuous communication, Assam and Meghalaya have agreed on a multi-tiered institutional framework for inter-state coordination.
A dedicated coordination unit has been established between the Inspector General (Special Branch), Assam, and the Inspector General (Law and Order), Meghalaya. It will be supported by an online forum and helplines to help trace and assist stranded citizens.
The helpline details provided are WhatsApp: +91 810 14 888 and landline: 0361-2381-511.
The emergency coordination mechanism will remain operational until normal conditions are fully restored.
At the local administrative level, permanent joint committees will be formed comprising the Deputy Commissioners of Nongpoh and Kamrup Metropolitan, along with corresponding police officials, to address day-to-day concerns along the border.
A specialised transport committee will also be established, involving the Transport Commissioners and Secretaries of both states and representatives of tourist vehicle associations. The committee will work towards regulating inter-state travel and safeguarding shared tourism interests.
The two governments have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining open and secure transit routes across the region.
Assam and Meghalaya have pledged to take all necessary measures to safeguard vehicles travelling between southern Assam and other parts of the state, including those travelling from the Barak Valley through Meghalaya. Measures will also be taken to ensure the safety of Meghalaya residents travelling between different districts via Assam.
The Meghalaya Government has further assured national and regional travellers that it will take full responsibility for the safety and security of tourists and vehicles entering the state from Assam and other parts of India throughout their stay and movement within Meghalaya.
The temporary suspension of the Jorabat blockade marks an important step towards restoring normal movement between the two states, although the protesters have made it clear that their position will depend on the fulfilment of the assurances on compensation and security.
