HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Sept 18: Tensions escalated at Jorabat on Thursday when protesters blocked the convoy of former Meghalaya minister and NPP legislator Rakkam A Sangma, forcing him to rely on Assam Police to continue his journey to the Garo Hills.
The blockade, staged at the interstate entry point, disrupted several tourists and travellers, with protesters from Assam shouting slogans demanding that Sangma return to Meghalaya.
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The incident occurred against the backdrop of an ongoing strike by the All-Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA), which is seeking a ban on Assam tourist taxis operating in Meghalaya’s popular tourist destinations.
Sharing a video of the confrontation, Sangma said he barely managed to pass through the blockade with police assistance.
He called for calm and dialogue, urging both sides to find an amicable solution to prevent further escalation and ensure the safety of commuters and residents along the border.
Meanwhile, the AKMTTA has decided to suspend its indefinite strike until a government meeting scheduled for Tuesday.
The East Khasi Hills deputy commissioner will hold discussions involving the Home (Police), Transport, and Tourism departments to address the association’s demands.
AKMTTA spokesperson Balajied Jyrwa clarified that the protest is non-violent and directed at the state government, not Assam.
He added that the strike has only involved distributing pamphlets to raise awareness about the challenges faced by tourist taxi operators.
“We have never restricted vehicles carrying passengers or patients. This protest is about regulating outside vehicles in Meghalaya’s tourist spots,” Jyrwa said.
The association hopes the upcoming meeting will provide a resolution, and a PIL has also been filed to formally address the issues faced by tourist taxis. (With inputs from PTI and NNN)
