Assam-Meghalaya road blockade enters second day amid violence fallout

Cab operators in Assam continued to block Meghalaya-registered vehicles on the Guwahati-Shillong road for a second day on Friday (August 21, 2026), following attacks on Assam-registered vehicles during a Khasi Students' Union (KSU) rally in Shillong. The blockade at Jorabat and Khanapara disrupted passenger and goods movement, with protesters demanding the Meghalaya government punish those responsible and pay for damages. Ambulances and emergency vehicles were allowed through.

The Assam Tribune reports that both state governments plan inter-governmental talks, with Assam minister Atul Bora stating discussions are underway at the chief secretaries and DGPs level. The Hindu adds that Meghalaya taxi operators also prevented Assam-registered vehicles from entering at Byrnihat, and that Assam has activated helplines for stranded people. Hindustan Times reports that arson and petrol bomb attacks on government properties were reported across Meghalaya on Friday, including a petrol bomb targeting a former NPP office in Shillong and two government vehicles burnt in West Khasi Hills.