Guwahati: Free movement between Meghalaya and Assam has resumed after tourism taxi associations in Meghalaya agreed on Sunday to withdraw their blockade at Umiam.
The decision to remove the blockade at Umiam, along with the earlier lifting of the blockade at Jorabat in Assam, has restored the movement of passengers, goods and essential supplies, including fuel, between the two states.
Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Saini said the situation was under control following a meeting on Sunday involving Deputy Chief Minister and Transport Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, representatives of tourism taxi associations, the Ri-Bhoi district administration, police officials and representatives from Shillong.
Saini said Meghalaya-based associations, mainly the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourism Taxi Association (AKMTTA), had assembled at Umiam with several demands. He said the discussions with the Deputy Chief Minister were positive, after which the associations agreed to disperse and withdraw the blockade.
He said the removal of the Umiam blockade would allow vehicles to move freely between Assam and Meghalaya, as the blockade at Jorabat on the Assam side had already been lifted.
Earlier on Sunday, however, passengers travelling from Assam to Meghalaya faced difficulties after AKMTTA members reportedly stopped Assam-registered tourist vehicles from proceeding beyond Lad Umroi. The disruption occurred while talks were being held to resolve the dispute.
The Ri-Bhoi administration appealed to tourists, transporters and the public to resume travel without fear and assured them that adequate security arrangements would remain in place to ensure the movement of people, vehicles and essential supplies.
Saini said the administration wanted to restore confidence among the public following the recent developments.
Concerns had also emerged over the supply of fuel and other essential commodities passing through Meghalaya into Assam. Saini said he had been informed that fuel loading had resumed, although some vehicles were still hesitant to travel because of concerns and messages circulating about the situation.
He said police escorts were being provided to facilitate the movement of fuel tankers and other vehicles.
With the blockades removed, Saini said there would be no restrictions on the movement of petroleum, oil and lubricants (POL), LPG carriers, other essential supply vehicles or private vehicles.
Meanwhile, Ri-Bhoi Superintendent of Police Giri Prasad said a helpline had been activated to assist tourists travelling through the district.
