Protesters assured of SIT probe, compensation for injured during KSU rally
Shillong, Aug 22: In a major relief, the road blockade by Assam-based transport workers and civil society groups at Jorabat was temporarily withdrawn following assurances from both Meghalaya and Assam governments.
The assurances considering demands of the protesters were given after a meeting between Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and Assam Minister Atul Bora at Khanapara along Meghalaya-Assam border.
Leaders of the protesting groups, including associations representing commercial vehicle drivers from Assam announced their decision to temporarily lift the blockade on Saturday evening.
Earlier, the Assam Minister Atul Bora along with Guwahati Commissioner of Police Partha Mahanta met representatives of the transport workers and civil society groups staging protest at Jorabat.
During the meeting, the protesters were reportedly informed that the Meghalaya Government was prepared to provide compensation to the families of those injured in the recent violence during a Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) black-flag bike rally in Shillong on August 19.
They were also informed of the proposed constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the incidents.
Following the intervention and assurances, the protesters agreed to suspend the agitation temporarily.
However, the protest leaders warned that the blockade could be resumed if the Meghalaya Government failed to fulfil the assurances made, particularly on compensation.
The development comes amid heightened tensions between Meghalaya and Assam following the violence in Shillong and subsequent unrest along the inter-state border.
