Guwahati cab operators continued their blockade of vehicles heading to Meghalaya on Friday, disrupting traffic at Jorabat and Khanapara along the Assam-Meghalaya border. The protest followed violence during a Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) motorcycle rally in Shillong on Wednesday.
The blockade has affected passengers, commercial vehicles and goods movement between the neighbouring states. Meanwhile, the Assam government has opened helplines to assist people from Assam who may be stranded in Meghalaya or facing difficulties while travelling.
Guwahati cab operators continue border blockade
Guwahati cab operators began blocking Meghalaya-registered vehicles at Jorabat and Khanapara on Thursday. The protest continued into Friday as drivers sought assurances about the safety of Assam-based vehicles and passengers travelling through Meghalaya.
The blockade has disrupted one of the main road links between Guwahati and Shillong. Travellers have reportedly had to change vehicles at the border, while several goods vehicles remained stranded on either side.
The operators’ protest came after reports of attacks on Assam-registered vehicles during the KSU rally in Shillong. Several vehicles were reportedly damaged and people were injured during the violence. Authorities are monitoring the situation as tensions remain high.
Traffic disruption affects passengers and goods
The Jorabat-Khanapara corridor is an important entry route between Assam and Meghalaya. Therefore, the blockade has created difficulties for commuters, tourists, transport workers and commercial operators using the road.
Guwahati cab operators have maintained that their action is linked to concerns over the safety of drivers and vehicles from Assam. Some protesters have also called for a lasting solution to prevent similar incidents in the future.
However, the continuing restrictions have also affected ordinary passengers who depend on regular road services. Meghalaya’s taxi drivers’ association has separately announced the suspension of commercial taxi services between Shillong and Guwahati following the recent violence.
Assam opens helplines for stranded people
Amid the disruption, the Assam government, through Assam Police, has activated dedicated helplines for people from Assam who may be stranded in Meghalaya or experiencing travel-related difficulties.
The government has asked relatives and other people with information about stranded individuals or vehicles to share details through the helplines. Information may include a person’s name, contact number, vehicle registration number and current location.
The information will be coordinated with authorities in Meghalaya, including local administration and police, to facilitate assistance. The Assam government and Assam Police have also said they are maintaining coordination with Meghalaya authorities.
The helpline numbers released by the Assam government are WhatsApp: 9181014888 and landline: 03612381511. People have been advised to share verified information and remain calm.
Leaders call for restraint and dialogue
The developments have also prompted political efforts to prevent further escalation. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma spoke on Thursday and called for peace, restraint and dialogue following the violence and subsequent blockade.
Sarma said he had raised Assam’s concerns with Sangma, particularly regarding incidents involving Assam-registered vehicles in Shillong. The two states are now facing pressure to restore normal movement while addressing security concerns raised by transport operators.
Meanwhile, security personnel have been deployed around the affected border areas to help maintain order and protect commuters.
Guwahati cab operators await safety assurances
For now, Guwahati cab operators remain central to the transport disruption, while passengers and businesses continue to face uncertainty over interstate travel.
The situation also highlights the wider impact of local unrest on transport and economic activity across state borders. As a result, travellers between Guwahati and Meghalaya are being advised to stay updated through official channels before beginning their journeys.
Overall, the immediate priority remains the safety of passengers and transport workers and the restoration of normal traffic. Further dialogue between authorities and transport groups will be important to prevent the blockade from worsening tensions between Assam and Meghalaya.
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