Amid rising tensions between Assam and Meghalaya, the Nagarik Surakshya Samity, Assam, has called for a complete economic blockade of Meghalaya, alleging repeated attacks, harassment and mistreatment of Assamese tourists, taxi drivers and other residents travelling in the neighbouring state.
In a statement, the organisation’s president, Kailash Sharma, strongly criticised what he described as repeated incidents involving Assamese people in different parts of Meghalaya. Sharma alleged that members of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) and other groups were responsible for acts of harassment and violence against people from Assam.
Call for Statewide Unity
Appealing to people across Assam, Sharma urged citizens and organisations to rise above political differences and unite over the issue. He advocated blocking major entry routes connecting Assam with Meghalaya as part of an economic pressure campaign aimed at compelling the Meghalaya government to take action.
According to Sharma, recent incidents involving Assamese tourists, vehicle owners and taxi drivers in Shillong and other areas have once again raised concerns over the safety of people travelling from Assam.
He called for what he described as a sustained economic response and urged various sections of society in Assam to support the proposed movement.
Historical Issues Raised
Sharma also linked the present situation to decisions taken during the creation of Meghalaya as a separate state in 1972.
He alleged that several areas and assets of historical and economic importance were transferred to Meghalaya without adequate consultation with the people of Assam. Among the issues raised were parts of the Guwahati region and projects such as the Umiam hydropower project.
These allegations reflect the organisation’s position and form part of its broader criticism concerning the historical and political decisions surrounding the formation of Meghalaya.
Appeal to Assam Government and Organisations
The Nagarik Surakshya Samity president appealed to the Assam government, the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and other social and non-political organisations to intervene and work towards resolving the growing tensions.
Sharma also referred to the long-standing boundary dispute between Assam and Meghalaya and urged Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma to consider legal steps concerning areas such as Khanapara and other locations that the organisation claims have historical links with Guwahati and Assam.
The statement comes at a time when recent incidents involving transport operators and travellers have heightened tensions between the two neighbouring states. While the organisation has called for an economic blockade, the matter remains politically and socially sensitive, with authorities from both Assam and Meghalaya facing pressure to prevent further escalation and ensure the safety and free movement of people.
