Guwahati, September 18: The standoff between tourist taxi associations of Meghalaya and Assam intensified on Thursday, leaving hundreds of commuters and tourists stranded at the Jorabat border after Assam drivers launched a counter-blockade against their Meghalaya counterparts.

The confrontation began earlier this week when the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) stopped Assam-registered tourist taxis from ferrying passengers to destinations beyond Shillong. The association argued that unchecked entry of Assam-based cabs was threatening the livelihoods of Meghalaya’s local drivers.

In retaliation, Assam transport unions blocked Meghalaya-registered tourist vehicles from operating at Guwahati Railway Station, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, and the Assam-Meghalaya border. This escalated into severe travel disruptions, with traffic snarls and passengers caught in the middle.

Tensions peaked when protestors at Jorabat stopped the vehicle of former Meghalaya Education Minister and NPP legislator Rakkam A. Sangma, forcing him to rely on an Assam Police escort to continue his journey to the Garo Hills. Sangma later confirmed the confrontation in a video message, urging both sides to resolve the issue through dialogue.

Former Meghalaya Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh appealed to AKMTTA to engage directly with Assam counterparts, warning that prolonged blockades could cripple tourism across both states. Meanwhile, protesting Assam drivers alleged discrimination, saying that while Meghalaya cabs enjoy free access in Assam, their vehicles face fines of up to ₹25,000 if they operate in Meghalaya.

The protests also drew sharp political reactions. Assam Pradesh Mahila Congress president Mira Borthakur criticised the state government for failing to safeguard livelihoods. “If Assam’s vehicles can’t go there, why should Meghalaya’s vehicles come here? Our youth are being harassed while the government looks away,” she said, calling for direct intervention by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The Meghalaya government, however, has stood by its position, urging AKMTTA to resolve the issue through a high-level committee. The association continues to press for a Reciprocal Transport Agreement and a new transport policy restricting Assam taxis to designated drop-off points inside Meghalaya.