Assam border protection and development minister Atul Bora met representatives of 14 motor transport organisations in Guwahati on Sunday and deliberated on their concerns in the wake of the tension along the inter-state border.
The meeting comes less than a day after the protesting drivers and transport unions had decided to put their agitation on hold after three days, following assurances from the minister following a three-hour meeting with Meghalaya deputy chief minister Sniawbhalang Dhar in Guwahati on Saturday.
“The representatives raised concerns regarding the safety of vehicles, drivers and passengers following the unfortunate incident in Shillong on August 19, as well as the continuing road blockade by protesters in Meghalaya,” Bora said after the meeting.
“I apprised them of the significant decisions taken during Saturday’s meeting between the governments of Assam and Meghalaya. Strong measures will be undertaken to ensure the smooth movement of vehicles and restore normalcy,” the Assam border protection minister said.
Notably, the meeting was held on a day when movement of Assam-registered tourist vehicles towards Shillong were reportedly stopped at Umiam Junction (Barapani) on Sunday and sent back towards Guwahati reportedly by members of local taxi associations.
“I have already spoken with Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma and deputy chief minister Sniawbhalang Dhar regarding the road blockade. Senior officials of both governments are also in constant touch, and we are hopeful that the blockade (in Umiam) will be withdrawn soon,” Bora said.
“Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is closely monitoring the situation,” he said, adding, “Assam and Meghalaya are sister states bound by longstanding ties of harmony and brotherhood. I appeal to all people and stakeholders to maintain peace, restraint and spirit of brotherhood in the greater interest of the region.”
The meeting with the organisations at Khanapara was also attended by Guwahati police commissioner and Assam Police STF chief, Partha Sarathi Mahanta and Assam transport commissioner, Manvendra Pratap Singh.
