Shillong, Aug 25: Tourist taxi services between Tura and Guwahati were suspended for two days after two motorcycle-borne miscreants allegedly hurled stones at a taxi at Bijoynagar in Assam on Sunday.
The Garo Hills Tourist Taxi Association (GHTTA) said the suspension, which began today, is a precautionary measure in view of safety of drivers and passengers amid border tension. Services between Tura and Shillong continued via the Nongstoiñ route.
Association secretary Sanggra Ch. Marak stated it was not an official strike and drivers voluntarily stayed off the main Guwahati route with services expected to resume in a day or two.
On Tuesday, the association submitted a memorandum to West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police and Deputy Commissioner’s office seeking enhanced security along Tura-Guwahati corridor and helplines or assistance centres.
SP Abraham T. Sangma assured steps for secure travel, saying concerns at transit points including Jorabat were addressed after coordination between Assam and Meghalaya governments and Assam Police assured protection for commercial vehicles.
Tura-Guwahati route is a vital link for medical, education, business and air and rail connectivity.
