Assam And Meghalaya Agree On Multi-Level Security Framework After Shillong Violence |
Guwahati: In a significant diplomatic push to restore stability along their shared border, the state governments of Assam and Meghalaya have agreed upon a comprehensive multi-tiered security framework to de-escalate regional tensions following recent violence in Shillong. The high-level bilateral talks, held during a three-hour session at the Koinadhara State Guest House, brought together top administrative and police leadership to formulate immediate enforcement protocols, coordinate cross-border evacuations, and construct permanent institutional channels to safeguard long-term peace. Meghalaya Expresses Regret Over August 19 Incident During Bilateral TalksCo-chaired by Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Dr. S. Dhar and Assam Minister Shri Atul Bora, the summit opened with the Meghalaya government officially expressing deep regret over the violent disruptions that broke out on August 19. After more than three hours of deliberations, the two sides arrived at several decisions, including stronger action against those involved in the Shillong incident, safe evacuation of stranded Assam-registered vehicles and a dedicated coordination mechanism between the two states.
SIT Formed To Identify Those Behind Attacks On Assam Vehicles
The Meghalaya government expressed regret over the August 19 incident in Shillong and assured the meeting that strong action would be taken against those involved.The Meghalaya government informed the meeting that the president, vice-president and general secretary of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) had been arrested under the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act.It also informed that 15 FIRs had been registered so far in connection with the August 19 incident.Five masked persons have so far been identified as being involved in the incident, particularly in attacks on Assam-registered vehicles.The Meghalaya government said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) had been constituted to identify all the miscreants involved in the violence in Shillong, particularly those responsible for attacks on Assam-registered vehicles, and to ensure their prosecution in accordance with law.Over 3,770 Assam Vehicles Escorted Back From MeghalayaMore than 3,770 Assam-registered vehicles have already been safely escorted out of Meghalaya into Assam.The Assam Control Room has received 54 distress calls involving 175 persons, who are being assisted in evacuation. These include 22 private vehicles and five tourist vehicles.The Meghalaya government informed that its Control Room had received 379 distress calls so far and steps had been taken to assist those seeking safe transit.Most of the stranded travellers and vehicles, including approximately 400–500 vehicles that were earlier held up in Meghalaya, have successfully crossed key transit corridors, including the Umiam Lake section.Any passenger or vehicle yet to be transferred to Assam will be safely escorted and transferred within the next 48 hours. A dedicated exercise will be undertaken to ensure that every tourist or vehicle wishing to return to Assam is facilitated and safely escorted.The two governments also agreed to establish a dedicated coordination mechanism between the IG, Special Branch, Assam, and the IG, Law & Order, Meghalaya, along with dedicated helplines. An online support forum will also be activated to assist in locating and facilitating stranded individuals.The mechanism will remain operational until the situation is fully normalised.Permanent district-level joint committees will also be constituted, comprising the Deputy Commissioner, Nongpoh, and the District Commissioner, Kamrup Metropolitan, along with police officers of the corresponding level from both districts. The committees will address day-to-day issues arising along the inter-State border.A joint committee comprising the Commissioner/Secretary-level Transport authorities of both states, along with representatives of tourist vehicle associations, will be constituted to facilitate and regulate tourist transport movement and safeguard the shared tourism interests of Assam and Meghalaya.The Assam and Meghalaya governments will take all necessary measures to ensure safe and secure transit arrangements for vehicles travelling from the southern parts of Assam to other parts of the state, including movement from the Barak Valley through Meghalaya.Similarly, necessary arrangements will be made for people travelling from Meghalaya to other parts of Meghalaya through Assam.The Meghalaya government reiterated that the state government would take responsibility for the safety and security of all tourists and vehicles travelling from Assam and other parts of the country into Meghalaya during their stay and movement within the state.Later, Assam Minister Atul Bora told reporters: “As per the direction of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, I attended an important meeting with Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister S. Dhar at State Guest House No. 1, Koinadhora, Guwahati today.”The Assam government delegation comprised Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, additional Chief Secretary, Home & Political Department Ajay Tewari, Special Additional DGP (SB) Hiren Chandra Nath, Inspector General of Police (L&O) Akhilesh Kumar Singh, Guwahati Commissioner of Police Partha Sarathi Mahanta, Commissioner & Secretary, Transport Department Akash Deep, Secretary, Home & Political Department Deba Prasad Misra, DC, Kamrup (M) Swapneel Paul, Home & Political Department additional Secretary Mridul Kumar Das, along with other senior officials.Meghalaya Chief Secretary Shakil P. Ahammed and other senior officials also participated in the meeting. “Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has already spoken to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma regarding the recent developments, while I have remained in constant coordination with the Meghalaya government authorities,” Bora said.
“During the meeting, we held detailed and constructive discussions on the situation arising out of the unfortunate incidents involving Assam-registered vehicles in Shillong on August 19, as well as the subsequent road blockades and protests in both Assam and Meghalaya,” Bora said.Meanwhile Deputy Chief Minister Meghalaya Dr S Dhar said, “Both sides emphasised the need to restore normalcy at the earliest, ensure the safety and unhindered movement of people and vehicles, and take all necessary steps to preserve the longstanding bonds of peace, harmony and brotherhood between the people of Assam and Meghalaya. We remain committed to resolving the situation through dialogue, mutual understanding and close coordination between the two State Governments,”