AASU and KSU denounce pressure groups’ blockade of Assam-registered vehicles in Meghalaya

Digital Desk: The All Assam Students' Union (AASU) and the Khasi Students' Union (KSU) have condemned the Hynniewtrep National Youth Federation (HNYF) for blocking Assam-registered vehicles in Umtyngar, Meghalaya, from traveling to Sohra and Dawki on July 26. Both AASU and KSU emphasized their ongoing efforts to foster friendly relations between the people of Assam and Meghalaya, given that both states face the shared challenge of illegal foreign infiltration.

In a joint press release, AASU President Utpal Sarma and General Secretary Sankor Jyoti Barua, along with KSU President Lambokstarwell Marngar and General Secretary Donald V Thabah, expressed their concern: "The AASU and KSU are alarmed to see that tourist vehicles from Assam, whether private or commercial, are being stopped and denied entry to Meghalaya."

Additionally, the student organizations addressed the issue through the North East Students' Organization (NESO). During the meeting, the KSU noted that it was unaware of any such vehicle stoppages and stated that it "firmly does not support any such actions."

Stressing that the governments of Assam and Meghalaya must hold a dialogue to find a permanent solution to the issue, the KSU stated, "Tourists and the tourist vehicles ferrying tourists from Assam should come to Meghalaya without any worry or agony. However it is pertinent for both the governments of Assam and Meghalaya to have thorough dialogue on the issue and solve the same permanently."

The organisation further requested tourists' taxis associations from both states to maintain cordial relationship and a spirit of common understanding. 

"The KSU will take positive initiative in this regard," it was stated.

On July 27, Dr. Samujjal Bhattacharjya, Chief Advisor of the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) and the North East Students' Organisation (NESO), also condemned the action. He announced that the KSU, AASU, and NESO have guaranteed that Assam-registered vehicles should travel to Meghalaya without fear.

Taking to the microblogging site X, he wrote, "Tourists and tourist vehicles ferrying tourists from Assam should come to Meghalaya without any fear, worry or agony - Khasi Students Union (KSU), All Assam Students Union(AASU) and North-East Students Organisation (NESO) on the issue of refusing entry of Assam registered Cars in Meghalaya."

Highlighting that Assam and Meghalaya are two neighbouring states, the organisations in the press release stated, "AASU and KSU have always supported each other in their quest for survival and protection of indigenous Assamese and Khasis since time immemorial in both the states. We are committed to continue this affirmative effort."

It may be mentioned that on Friday, Assam-registered tourist taxis were halted at Umtyngngar by an NGO, preventing them from transporting passengers to popular tourist spots like Sohra (Cherrapunjee) and Dawki. 

The Hynniewtrep National Youth Federation (HNYF) turned away these taxis at Umtyngngar, which is located about 23 km from the state capital. The area features a road diversion, with one route leading to Dawki and another to Sohra.