Tensions between Assam and Meghalaya continued despite talks between the Chief Ministers of the two states following violence during a Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) bike rally in Shillong on August 19.
The rally turned violent, with clashes involving stone-pelting, vandalism and assaults. According to East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem, at least 31 vehicles were damaged, 16 people injured, and two vehicles set on fire. Government, police and commercial vehicles were among those hit. Residents, including schoolchildren, were put at risk.
Three senior KSU leaders; president Raymond Kharjana, vice-president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet and general secretary Reuben Najiar were arrested and remanded to 14-day judicial custody.
Reports of the violence and its immediate aftermath indicated a clear pattern of targeting Assam-registered vehicles and people from Assam, triggering strong reactions in Assam.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma later spoke by phone and agreed to work together to restore peace, trust and normalcy. Sangma said designated Cabinet Ministers from both states would meet to take discussions forward.
Sarma expressed concern over incidents in Shillong, “particularly those involving Assam-registered vehicles,” and directed Assam’s Minister for Border Protection Atul Bora to coordinate closely with Meghalaya authorities.
He said, “Assam and Meghalaya are sister States, bound by deep historical, cultural and people-to-people ties. Mutual respect, restraint and sensitivity must guide us at all times. We must do everything within our power to preserve the harmony, friendship and goodwill that have long defined the relationship between our people.”
However, disruption continued on the ground. Assam-based cab drivers and transport workers began protesting at Jorabat on August 20. By August 21, the blockade continued into a second day at Jorabat and Khanapara, disrupting passenger and goods movement.
Meanwhile, Meghalaya taxi drivers’ association suspended commercial taxi services between Shillong and Guwahati, seeking security guarantees.
Authorities imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 BNSS in East Khasi Hills, while West Jaintia Hills restricted the sale and distribution of petrol and diesel in loose quantities. Security was also heightened across Shillong and along the Assam–Meghalaya border.
The Meghalaya High Court took suo motu cognisance and directed the state to file an action-taken report by August 24.
