Assam-Meghalaya border tension: RAF, CRPF conduct flag march amid ongoing protests and tourist disruption

Guwahati: In view of the prevailing law-and-order situation in Shillong, the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and CRPF conducted a flag march in the city. Passenger vehicles and taxi services to Meghalaya remained suspended for the third consecutive day as the Assam Drivers' Association and several other organisations staged protests at Jorabat in Assam.

Tourists are facing a difficult time due to the border impasse. Tension along the Assam-Meghalaya border was triggered after several people from Assam were injured and vehicles damaged and torched during the Khasi Students' Union (KSU) black-flag bike rally across Shillong on Wednesday.

Also Read: Day 2 of Imphal-Guwahati bus service goes off without a hitch, after 3 year suspension


Assam-based taxi and commercial vehicle drivers blocked traffic to Meghalaya at Khanapara and Jorabat. On the Meghalaya side, there was a counter-blockade.

Assam Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora and Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar held a high-level meeting with senior officials of both states in Guwahati on Saturday. Protestors also blocked the entry of the deputy chief minister into Assam. However, following police intervention, Dhar managed to reach the meeting venue.

Also Read: FIR registered against Abhijeet Dipke for 'entering govt school without permission, threatening teachers'

Following the meeting, a joint statement was issued. Dhar stated, "Meghalaya expressed regret over the incidents and assured strong action against those responsible. Student Union office-bearers were arrested under the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act; 15 FIRs had been registered. Five people had been identified in connection with the violence, particularly attacks on Assam Rifles personnel."