Pankaj Nath, Assam, 20 August: Tension persisted along the Assam–Meghalaya border on Thursday, a day after violence erupted during a black-flag motorcycle rally organised by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) in Shillong. Eyewitnesses and local sources said many people were injured and several vehicles—including those bearing Assam registration—were damaged during Wednesday’s unrest.The situation grew particularly fraught at Jorabat, a key entry point to Meghalaya, where the movement of Meghalaya-registered vehicles into Assam was severely affected. Assam taxi drivers and private transport workers staged protests on Thursday to condemn the incidents and warned that they would bar Meghalaya-registered vehicles from entering Assam until the matter was resolved. Several tourist vehicles based in Assam were reportedly stranded at the border. An Assam family travelling to Shillong said their car was attacked during the rally. They told local media that the vehicle’s windows, front windscreen and rear glass were smashed and that a child sustained glass-related injuries. A video circulating on social media shows the father inspecting the damage and describing the attack; the family has said they will register a formal complaint and seek an official investigation. During the KSU’s black-flag motorcycle rally, clashes broke out at multiple locations, with reports of assaults on individuals and damage to both private and government vehicles. Some vehicles were allegedly set on fire and several people were hurt. Observers noted that some participants wore masks, and KSU slogans were reportedly chanted at certain spots. At this stage, independent verification of the identities or affiliations of those involved in the attacks is not available. Large deployments of security personnel were reported at Jorabat and other border areas to prevent further escalation and to maintain law and order. Local administration and police said they have launched detailed inquiries into the incidents. Transport unions and drivers have demanded prompt action from authorities.The disturbances have raised safety concerns among cross-border travellers, tourists and commercial operators, and officials warned of potential impacts on tourism and inter-state movement between Assam and Meghalaya. Both the Assam and Meghalaya governments are in talks to resolve the issue. Authorities appealed to citizens to remain calm and to follow official guidance while investigations proceed.
