The road blockade at Jorabat, organised by a group of protesters from Assam, has been temporarily called off following discussions between Meghalaya Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and Assam Minister Atul Bora.
The decision was announced by leaders of the protesting groups, including associations representing commercial vehicle drivers, after the two state governments intervened to defuse tensions.
Earlier, Assam Minister Atul Bora and Guwahati Commissioner of Police Partha Mahanta met with leaders of transport workers’ associations and other civil society groups from Assam. They reportedly informed the protesters that the Meghalaya Government was prepared to compensate the families of the victims and those injured in the recent violence in Shillong, and would constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incidents.
Following the intervention by the two state governments, protesters at Jorabat agreed to temporarily withdraw the road blockade.
However, the protesters warned that the agitation could resume if the Meghalaya Government fails to fulfil the assurances, particularly regarding compensation for those affected.
The development comes amid heightened tensions between Meghalaya and Assam following the recent violence in Shillong and subsequent unrest along the inter-state border.
