Assam, Meghalaya set up joint mechanism, hotlines for safe movement

Guwahati, Aug 23 (IANS) Assam and Meghalaya on Saturday moved to establish a permanent coordination mechanism to prevent further escalation of tensions following the August 19 violence in Shillong, with both governments agreeing to strengthen security, facilitate stranded travellers and ensure uninterrupted interstate movement.

The decisions were announced after a more than three‑hour meeting between senior officials of the two states at the Koinadhara State Guest House in Guwahati. Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and Assam Minister Atul Bora led the meeting. Meghalaya expressed regret over the Shillong incident and assured Assam that those responsible would face strong legal action.

According to the decisions taken at the meeting, 15 FIRs have been registered in connection with the violence. The president, vice‑president and general secretary of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) have been arrested under the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act. Five masked persons allegedly involved in attacks on Assam‑registered vehicles have also been identified. A Special Investigation Team has been constituted to identify other individuals involved in the violence and ensure their prosecution.

The meeting also focused on moving stranded tourists and vehicles. More than 3,770 Assam‑registered vehicles have already been escorted safely from Meghalaya into Assam. The Assam Control Room received 54 distress calls involving 175 people, including 22 private vehicles and five tourist vehicles. Meghalaya’s control room has received 379 distress calls from people seeking assistance. The two governments decided to facilitate and escort passengers and vehicles still stranded in Meghalaya to Assam within 48 hours.

To improve real-time coordination, a dedicated mechanism involving the IG, Special Branch, Assam, and IG, Law and Order, Meghalaya, will be established. Dedicated helplines and an online support forum will also be activated to locate stranded people and coordinate their evacuation.

The states will additionally form permanent district‑level joint committees involving the Deputy Commissioners of Kamrup Metropolitan and Nongpoh, along with senior police officials. The committees will address day‑to‑day issues arising along the interstate border. A joint committee comprising senior transport officials from both states and representatives of tourist vehicle associations will also be constituted to regulate tourist transport and safeguard tourism interests.

The two governments further agreed to facilitate safe passage for vehicles travelling through each other’s territory. This includes movement from Assam’s Barak Valley to other parts of Assam through Meghalaya and movement of Meghalaya residents through Assam to other parts of the state. Meghalaya reiterated that it would ensure the safety and security of tourists and vehicles entering the state from Assam and elsewhere.

The latest decisions come amid continuing tensions after Assam‑based transport workers began protests at Jorabat following the Shillong violence. The joint measures aim to restore confidence, prevent retaliatory incidents, and bring interstate traffic back to normal.

–IANS

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