SHILLONG : Tension along the Meghalaya-Assam border intensified on Thursday after Meghalaya-registered vehicles were reportedly stopped from entering Assam at Jorabat following the violence during Wednesday’s KSU rally in Shillong.
A group of people gathered near the border and allegedly prevented vehicles bearing Meghalaya registration numbers from proceeding towards Assam.
Ambulances were reportedly allowed to pass through despite the disruption. The situation also affected commercial vehicles, with reports of some Meghalaya-registered vehicles being damaged around the Khanapara area.
Passengers travelling towards Meghalaya were also reportedly asked to get down from their vehicles at Khanapara.
A message circulating from the area advised travellers to avoid the route for the day as the situation remained tense.
Some Assam-based drivers reportedly spoke about their experiences during Wednesday’s violence in Shillong, claiming that their vehicles were damaged during the KSU black-flag rally.
Some drivers and passengers also alleged that they were assaulted.
Following the blockade at Jorabat, officials from the Ri Bhoi district administration reached the area along with police personnel and appealed to those gathered to remain calm.
Authorities were monitoring the border situation and attempting to prevent further incidents between the two states.
The latest tension comes a day after the KSU rally in Shillong witnessed stone-pelting, vehicle damage and other incidents of violence.
Three senior KSU leaders, including president Raymond Kharjana, were subsequently arrested by Meghalaya Police.
