Guwahati, 12th September: In a growing dispute between Assam and Meghalaya tourist taxi drivers, Assam-based drivers voiced strong opposition to the ongoing “Black Flag Week” protest organized by the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills region. The protest, aimed at restricting out-of-state tourist taxis from entering key tourist destinations in Meghalaya, sparked tension when a driver from Meghalaya was seen displaying the black flag in Assam.
On September 11, Assam tourist taxi drivers condemned the protest, asserting that such demonstrations should be limited to Meghalaya. They expressed concerns that the movement may pressure the Meghalaya government to ban tourist vehicles from Assam, which would severely impact tourism in both states. Earlier incidents in July saw Assam-registered tourist taxis being turned back from prominent locations like Sohra and Dawki by local groups, exacerbating the tensions.
A viral video captured an altercation between a group of Assam drivers and a Meghalaya driver, where the former demanded the removal of the black flag within Assam. The driver complied, citing that he had been instructed to display the flag without knowing the reason.
The AKMTTA’s protest, running from September 9-14, calls on local taxi drivers to oppose out-of-state vehicles. The union has criticized Meghalaya Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh for not addressing their demands, while Lyngdoh has urged unity, stressing the economic interdependence between Assam and Meghalaya for tourism.
As the protest continues, both sides remain at odds, with calls for constructive dialogue to address the growing tension between neighboring states’ tourist taxi operators.
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