Guwahati: Taxi operators in Assam and Meghalaya have faced repeated stand-offs over tourist traffic and alleged harassment since 2024.At least three major confrontations have been reported, with the latest in Aug emerging as the most serious. Operators in both states restricted the entry of vehicles registered in the neighbouring state.Members of the Assam State Drivers’ Union (ADSU) declined to comment on the dispute but said the two state govts had taken up the matter after the latest stand-off. The union expressed confidence that it would be resolved at the highest level.“Incidents similar to the recent one happened earlier as well,” the union said.A major flashpoint occurred in July 2024, when Hynniewtrep National Youth Federation members stopped Assam-registered tourist vehicles at Umtyngngar in East Khasi Hills. The action was allegedly linked to claims that Assam taxis were taking business from Meghalaya operators.The All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association subsequently sought restrictions on Assam tourist taxis travelling to destinations in Meghalaya. It proposed that Assam vehicles drop tourists in Shillong, from where Meghalaya-registered taxis would take them to other destinations.The dispute resurfaced in Aug 2025 when Meghalaya Police arrested Hynniewtrep National Youth Movement members over allegations that tourist taxis were stopped in Ri-Bhoi and drivers were forced to pay for carrying non-tribal passengers or tourists.By Sept, operators in both states began stopping each other’s vehicles, stranding passengers.The latest confrontation followed violence during a KSU rally in Shillong on Aug 19. Assam operators then blocked Meghalaya-bound traffic at Jorabat and other entry points, prompting reciprocal restrictions by Meghalaya operators.
