Shillong: The ongoing dispute between tourist taxi associations of Meghalaya and Assam has seen a partial resolution, with the two sides agreeing to ensure the unhindered movement of tourist vehicles between the neighbouring states.
Representatives of 12 taxi associations—seven from Assam and five from Meghalaya—held a marathon meeting in Shillong on Tuesday to address issues that emerged following recent tensions between the two states.
The meeting was jointly chaired by Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and Assam Minister Atul Bora after the Transport Commissioners of the two states held preliminary discussions.
Dhar said the concerns raised by the taxi associations were discussed and several issues resolved.
He said Meghalaya’s associations had sought parking facilities and toilet amenities for drivers at Guwahati Airport, with the Assam government agreeing to provide them.
The two states have also directed their police forces to coordinate during vehicle checks to ensure that drivers and tourists are not subjected to unnecessary harassment.
“Both sides have committed to work together. If any minor issues remain, they will be sorted out in a few days,” Dhar said.
To prevent similar disputes in the future, a joint sub-committee headed by the Transport Commissioners of Meghalaya and Assam will meet periodically to address grievances raised by the associations.
Bora said Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had asked him to intervene following the August 19 violence in Shillong, during which Assam-registered vehicles were targeted.
The incident was followed by an unofficial blockade of Meghalaya-registered tourist vehicles entering Assam and a counter-blockade imposed by tourist taxi associations in Meghalaya.
Bora said a meeting was subsequently held in Guwahati on August 22, where a set of resolutions was adopted. Following discussions with protesters, the blockade was withdrawn.
He said Tuesday’s meeting was convened at the request of Meghalaya’s taxi associations and maintained that normal movement between the two states had now resumed.
“The associations are happy and we are working on the August 23 resolutions. The situation is normal now,” Bora said.
However, the main demand of Meghalaya’s tourist taxi associations—to restrict out-of-state vehicles from taking tourists directly to sightseeing destinations—remains unresolved.
The Meghalaya associations said they were not satisfied with the outcome and would take a final decision after discussing the matter at their general meeting.
“Our core demand has not been addressed as no decision was reached today. We want tourist taxis from outside the state to be stopped from going to tourist spots so that the earnings of our people improve,” representatives of the associations said.
The government has suggested that the associations identify designated stoppage points where outstation tourist vehicles could drop passengers before proceeding to tourist destinations.
The associations, however, said they would discuss the proposal among their members before taking a decision at their upcoming general meeting.
Meanwhile, another meeting involving the Tourism and Transport departments, homestay owners, hotels and tourist guides has been scheduled for September 28. The meeting is expected to take up the issue of tourist vehicle movement and the concerns of local stakeholders in greater detail.
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