Shillong: A transport standoff is brewing as taxi associations in Assam have decided to retaliate against restrictions imposed by their counterparts in Meghalaya.
Recently, the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) announced a ban on tourist taxis from Assam ferrying visitors to tourist destinations in Meghalaya. In response, the Tourist Transporters’ Association of Assam (TTAA), led by its president Kaushik Bhuyan, declared that Assam operators would also block Meghalaya-registered taxis from picking up passengers at Guwahati Railway Station and LGBI Airport, effective September 16 if the ban goes ahead.
Bhuyan said the decision was endorsed by the Motor Paribahan Sanmilita Sewakarmi Mancha, Assam. He warned that restrictions could extend to goods carriers as well, which would severely impact Meghalaya’s supply of essential commodities.
The TTAA leader criticised the AKMTTA’s move as “irrational and shortsighted,” pointing out that Assam vehicles operate with permits valid across multiple northeastern states, including Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh. He cautioned that such unilateral bans would hurt tourism and trade, sectors vital to Meghalaya’s economy.
The TTAA has urged the Meghalaya government to intervene and prevent AKMTTA from enforcing its decision, warning that otherwise, the tourism sector in both states would suffer heavily.
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