Assam cab operators block national highway to protest attacks
REGIONAL: Traffic disruptions occurred between Assam and Meghalaya Thursday due to cab operators in Guwahati blocking National Highway-27 in protest against alleged attacks on Assamese people during a students' rally in Shillong. The blockade left many passengers and Meghalaya-registered vehicles stranded at the Assam-Meghalaya border as it followed violent incidents during a bike rally organised by the Khasi Students' Union (KSU) at Shillong yesterday where at least 31 vehicles were damaged and several people were allegedly assaulted.
At Jorabat and Khanapara, Assam commercial vehicle drivers prevented Meghalaya-registered taxis from entering, compelling passengers to switch to Assam taxis. Cab operators expressed concerns over persistent discrimination and violence faced by Assamese drivers condemning the inaction of authorities in Meghalaya during such incidents.
The Assam State Drivers' Union informed on the recurring nature of these attacks on the vehicles in Meghalaya.
Despite the tensions, police managed to control the situation, with minor damage reported to a Meghalaya taxi. The rally was part of the KSU's demands regarding local safety legislation and other recruitment reforms affecting the region.
Meghalaya's tourism industry heavily depends on taxis from Assam for transporting visitors and tourists from the Guwahati airport and railway station.