Shillong: Assam border protection minister Atul Bora and Meghalaya officials met in Shillong this Tuesday. They pledged to keep travel safe and open for all citizens moving between the two states. The meeting follows a series of tensions that flared after August 19. That is when incidents involving Assam-registered vehicles broke out in Shillong.
Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar chaired the session. Representatives from transport groups attended to discuss the flow of goods and people. They aim to stop future friction before it starts. "Both sides reaffirmed that the safety, security and free movement of citizens must remain paramount. We also agreed on the importance of continued coordination, dialogue and timely intervention to prevent misunderstandings and address emerging concerns," Bora said.
This gathering builds on bilateral talks held in Guwahati on August 22. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma pushed the issue with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma shortly after the August 19 chaos. These top-level conversations helped settle the ground. Bora claims their states share deep ties that move past mere borders. He thanked both Sarma and Sangma for their quick work to restore order and bridge the divide.
Updated at 9th September 2026 at 10:01am
The two states have set up a permanent mechanism to kill future disputes. A new sub-committee led by the Transport Commissioners of Assam and Meghalaya will meet whenever friction spikes to settle complaints before they turn into blockades. Officials also agreed to specific concessions: Assam will provide dedicated parking and toilet facilities at Guwahati airport for Meghalaya operators. Police forces in both states have orders to coordinate and stop the harassment of drivers during roadside checks.
This deal follows a history of turf wars over tourist fares. Since 2024, various youth groups have repeatedly blocked Assam-registered taxis, claiming they steal business from local drivers. The tension hit a breaking point in August 2025 when a wave of extortion allegations led to the arrest of five Hynniewtrep National Youth Movement leaders. During the height of the most recent standoff, authorities hauled in roughly 400 middlemen who had been fueling the chaos.
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