Shillong, Aug 23: Ri-Bhoi district administration on Sunday asserted that normalcy returned along Meghalaya-Assam border, saying all blockades have been lifted and there is free movement of vehicles at Umiam.
Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Dr Abhishek Saini said the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association and other groups, who had gathered at Umiam with certain demands, have agreed to disperse following a meeting chaired by the Deputy Chief Minister.
“They had certain demands and today we had a meeting with the Deputy Chief Minister with all associations, myself and SP… After a fruitful meeting, they have agreed to disperse,” he said.
The DC said with Assam lifting the blockade at Jorabat, the Meghalaya side has also withdrawn its blockade.
“No longer will there be any kind of blockade. As we know from Assam side, blockade has been removed from Jorabat so now from Umiam also, the tourist taxi associations will be removing their blockade and there is a free flow of movement for all,” he said.
Appealing to tourists not to panic, he said, “I appeal to all tourists and all persons who are coming from Assam or those coming from Meghalaya towards Assam – they are welcome and there is complete free movement now. We do not want any sort of fear in the minds of the people.”
He said the district administration is committed to the safety of citizens and tourists and police escort is being provided to fuel trucks which had earlier stopped due to fear.
“Loading has started but still some of them because of the fear and messages going around, were not able to pass. We are providing police escort also. There will be no stoppage of any fuel trucks whether it is POL, LPG or essential supplies as well as private vehicles,” Saini added.
Meanwhile, SP Giri Prasad said a dedicated 24×7 tourist helpline – 1800592026 – has been activated.
“Any tourist going to Meghalaya or from Meghalaya to Guwahati can call 1800592026. Any tourist anywhere in Meghalaya or who are trying to come to Meghalaya, if they face any issues, they can report to this number and it will be directed to the respective district so that we can help them in all possible ways,” he said.
