Shillong, Oct 3: The Achik State Peoples’ Front (ASPF) has lodged a complaint with the Director General of Police (DGP) against Assam police for harassment and extortion.
According to the group, there have been repeated incidents of harassment and extortion faced by commuters from Meghalaya while travelling along the Tura–Paikan–Guwahati road, particularly in the stretch between Bajengdoba and Paikan, allegedly involving personnel of the Kukurkata Outpost, Assam Police.
The ASPF said vehicles bearing Meghalaya registration are routinely stopped without valid reason. Even when complete vehicle papers are produced, commuters are subjected to intimidation, threats, and undue questioning, it said.
“Officers reportedly demand money directly from drivers; refusal often results in prolonged harassment, threats of seizure, or unnecessary delays. Even residents of adjoining Assam border villages have voiced similar grievances, creating mistrust and fear among road users,” it said.
The ASPF said such actions not only inconvenienced commuters but also strain relations between citizens of the two neighbouring states.
Given the importance of this road as a vital economic and social corridor, a coordinated and corrective response is urgently needed the group has urged the DGP to take the matter formally with Assam Police Headquarters, establish a joint monitoring mechanism between the police of both states to safeguard commuters’ rights, joint patrolling or to set up designated complaint channels for travellers facing harassment along the stretch.
