Assam and Meghalaya taxi standoff disrupts tourism and fuel supply

A standoff between taxi operators from Assam and Meghalaya has led to significant unrest and economic disruption along their shared border. The conflict escalated following a Khasi Students’ Union rally on August 19, resulting in retaliatory blockades at Jorabat and Lad Umroi. Meghalaya-based drivers have blocked Assam-registered vehicles, citing concerns that out-of-state operators are unfairly capturing the local tourism market.

Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar held emergency meetings with various taxi associations to address grievances, including harassment and lack of parking in Assam. While Assam-based organizations expressed willingness to lift their own blockades, the situation remains tense.

The unrest has severely impacted Meghalaya's tourism sector. The Federation of Shillong Hotels (FOSH) reports that 80–90 percent of hotel and homestay bookings in areas like Shillong and Sohra have been canceled due to the instability. Additionally, the blockades have triggered fuel shortages across the state.