Shillong, Aug 21: The District Magistrate of Ri-Bhoi issued an advisory today for travellers wishing to proceed into Assam from the district.
With a standoff between transporter groups from each state continuing, the normal Byrnihat-Jorabat Road that forms part of National Highway 6 has been closed to the movement of traffic in both directions.
Travellers from Shillong, Nongpoh or Byrnihat intending on travelling to Guwahati’s airport or train station are advised to take either the Byrnihat-Pillingkata-Killing route or the Nongpoh-Patharkhmah-Mairang road.
Travellers coming from Guwahati’s airport or train station and intending to proceed to Shillong should take either the Basistha-Pillingkata-Killing or Rani-Patharkhmah-Mairang route.
The blockade began after violence during a Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) rally on Wednesday resulted in damage to several vehicles, with those bearing Assam number plates specifically targetted. Injuries were also reported to those in the vehicles. On Thursday protestors in Assam refused entry of Meghalaya registered vehicles into their state. A tit-for-tat response was also then initiated by groups in Meghalaya.
