Border Restrictions Leave Assam Travellers Stranded in Meghalaya as Alternative Routes Advised
The continuing standoff between Assam and Meghalaya has disrupted travel plans for hundreds of people, with restrictions on vehicle movement leaving Assam-registered vehicles and tourists stranded in Meghalaya and making routine travel between Shillong and Guwahati increasingly difficult.
With the Jorabat-Byrnihat corridor affected by the ongoing restrictions, the Ri-Bhoi district administration has issued an advisory asking Meghalaya residents to use alternative routes when travelling to Guwahati airport or railway station.
Travellers from Shillong have been advised to take the Byrnihat-Pilingkata-Killing route or the Nongpoh-Patharkham-Rani route to reach Guwahati. For the return journey, the recommended options include the Basistha-Pilingkata-Killing route and the Rani-Patharkham-Mairang route.
The administration has specifically advised travellers to avoid the Jorabat-Byrnihat route amid reports of obstruction to vehicle movement at Byrnihat.
The restrictions have also created uncertainty for tourists and transport operators. Several Assam-registered vehicles carrying tourists from Assam and other states are reportedly stranded at different locations in Meghalaya, with drivers concerned about their safety while attempting to return.
Reports of stone-pelting targeting Assam-registered vehicles at some locations have further heightened concerns following the violence in Shillong on August 19.
Assam-based drivers and representatives of several organisations protesting at Jorabat have called on the Meghalaya government to ensure the safe movement of tourists and drivers stranded in the state. They have urged Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma to take immediate responsibility for their security.
In a bid to coordinate rescue efforts, the Assam Police has opened two helplines for people stranded in Meghalaya. Information can be shared through WhatsApp at 9181014888, while 0361-2381511 is available for direct contact.
The police said the information received would be shared with the Meghalaya government, local administration and police authorities to facilitate the safe return of stranded Assam residents.
The latest developments have added another layer to the ongoing Assam-Meghalaya tensions, with authorities on both sides facing pressure to restore normal movement and prevent the situation from affecting ordinary travellers and the wider public.