Guwahati, Aug 22: Three hours, one table, and a clear message — no more fear on the highway.
Assam and Meghalaya on Saturday sealed a joint rescue and security pact at Koinadhara State Guest House to contain the fallout of the August 19 Shillong violence that targeted Assam-registered vehicles and left tourists stranded.
The high-stakes meet was led by Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister S Dhar and Assam Minister Atul Bora, with top officers of both states at the table.
Meghalaya expressed sincere regret over the August 19 incident and promised hard action. The state confirmed that KSU President, Vice President and General Secretary have been arrested under the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act, 15 FIRs have been filed, and five masked attackers involved in assaults on Assam vehicles have been identified. A Special Investigation Team has been formed to hunt down every miscreant and prosecute.
On the ground, the evacuation is in full throttle. Over 3,770 Assam-registered vehicles have already been escorted safely into Assam. Around 400 to 500 vehicles that were stuck in Meghalaya, including along the critical Umiam Lake stretch, have crossed over. Assam Control Room has logged 54 distress calls covering 175 people, 22 private vehicles and 5 tourist vehicles, while Meghalaya Control Room has handled 379 distress calls.
The big decision — total evacuation in 48 hours. Every remaining tourist and vehicle wanting to return to Assam will be escorted out safely within the next two days.
To keep the corridor calm, both states have activated a direct IG-level hotline between IG Special Branch Assam and IG Law and Order Meghalaya, plus an online support forum and dedicated helplines — WhatsApp +91 81014 88888 and landline 0361-2381511. The hotline will stay live till normalcy is fully restored.
Long-term, permanent district-level joint committees of Deputy Commissioners Nongpoh and Kamrup Metro and police chiefs will handle day-to-day border friction, while a joint Transport committee with Commissioner and Secretary level officers and tourist vehicle associations will regulate and safeguard tourism.
Meghalaya has taken full responsibility for safety of tourists and vehicles entering the state, while both governments will ensure secure transit — from Barak Valley through Meghalaya to rest of Assam, and from Meghalaya through Assam to other parts of Meghalaya.
