Assam-Meghalaya talks focus on restoring normalcy after Shillong violence

Guwahati, Aug 23 (IANS) The governments of Assam and Meghalaya have reiterated their commitment to restoring normalcy and ensuring the safe and unhindered movement of people and vehicles between the two neighbouring states following the recent violence in Shillong.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said on Saturday that the meeting between representatives of the two state governments focused on the immediate restoration of normalcy following the “unfortunate incidents” in Shillong and ensuring the safety of citizens and smooth movement of vehicles.

Sangma thanked Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his cooperation and support and appreciated the Assam Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, senior officials and other stakeholders from both states for their constructive engagement.

“Our priority is to restore peace and normalcy at the earliest and ensure the safety of our citizens,” Meghalaya CM Sangma said in a post on social media platform X.

He also made it clear that those responsible for violence and disruption would be identified and dealt with firmly in accordance with the law.

The Meghalaya Chief Minister stressed that both states remained committed to close coordination and to protecting the strong bonds shared by the people of Assam and Meghalaya.

The latest development comes days after tension escalated following incidents in Shillong on August 19, when vehicles carrying tourists from Assam were allegedly attacked during a black-flag protest by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU).

The incidents triggered concerns over the safety of tourists and movement between Assam and Meghalaya, while subsequent protests at Jorabat on the Assam side further heightened tensions between the neighbouring states.

Following the incidents, both state governments stepped up efforts to contain the situation and ensure the safety of people travelling between the two states.

The high-level meeting in Guwahati on Saturday also discussed measures to strengthen security, address damage and injuries arising from the violence, and facilitate the restoration of normal traffic and movement.

Responding to Sangma’s X post, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma thanked the Meghalaya Chief Minister for his cooperation and for giving clear assurances regarding the safety of people from Assam.

“Assam and Meghalaya share an enduring bond. With continued coordination and firm action, I am confident that normalcy will be restored at the earliest,” CM Sarma said.

The two governments have underlined that firm action against those responsible for violence, alongside continued coordination between the administrations, will be crucial to preventing further escalation and restoring confidence among people travelling between the two states.

The latest assurances also signal an effort by both sides to ensure that the recent incidents do not affect the longstanding social, economic and people-to-people ties between Assam and Meghalaya.

–IANS

tdr/khz