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Assam-Meghalaya Taxi Standoff Strands Tourists

By AT News |

A standoff between taxi unions from Assam and Meghalaya has disrupted travel for hundreds of tourists at the Jorabat border near Guwahati. The confrontation began when the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) initiated a blockade, preventing Assam-registered taxis from entering Meghalaya. The AKMTTA cited concerns over the livelihoods of local drivers, alleging that the influx of Assam-based taxis was adversely affecting their business.

In retaliation, Assam's Motor Parivan Sewakarmi Sanmilita Mancha organized a strike, halting vehicles from Meghalaya at key transit points, including Guwahati Railway Station, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, and the Jorabat border. This move left numerous tourists stranded, as approximately 90% of visitors to Meghalaya typically travel via Guwahati due to its superior connectivity.

The situation escalated when the convoy of former Meghalaya Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma was stopped by protesting taxi drivers at Jorabat. The incident highlighted the deepening tensions between the two states.

However, by Thursday afternoon, Assam Transport Minister Yogen Mohan announced that the dispute had been resolved. Following discussions with Meghalaya authorities, both states agreed to allow tourist taxis from each other's regions to operate freely. Minister Mohan emphasized the importance of cooperation between Assam and Meghalaya for the benefit of their tourism industries.

Despite the resolution, former Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh of Meghalaya urged both sides to engage in direct dialogue to prevent future disruptions, warning that prolonged conflicts could severely impact the tourism sector.

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