Guwahati: The Assam government continued to “advise” residents not to travel to Meghalaya on November 25 following a skirmish in a disputed border area between the two neighbouring states on November 22, where six people were murdered.
However, after the Assam Petroleum Mazdoor Union (APMU) refused to deliver petroleum products to three districts of the violent state, the Meghalayan administration has now pledged to offer security to Assam petroleum goods transporters.
In addition, the government of Meghalaya has asked the APMU to inform the three districts in the state of Ri Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, and West Jaintia Hills of its decision to stop transporting petroleum products there.
”In view of rumours of shortage of petrol and diesel in the state, which has led to long queues at various petroleum outlets, the general public is hereby informed that there is no shortage of petrol or diesel in the District at present. The concerns expressed by oil companies/distributors/tanker drivers from outside the state are being addressed to ensure that petroleum supplies reach the District and the public do not suffer,” an official statement dated November 24, 2022, said.
Prior to this, the APMU had decided to halt fuel deliveries to Meghalaya due to reports of attacks on Assamese cars following recent violence along the interstate border that left 6 people dead.
On the other hand, masked miscreants from among the NGOs’ members started arguing with the police on November 24, during a Candlelight vigil organised by five NGOs. This caused a great deal of chaos, and later, petrol bombs were thrown at the police and public property was destroyed close to the Civil Hospital in Shillong.
A CRPF bus was attacked by the mob next to the civil hospital, and stones were also thrown, which is noteworthy.
The group’s commanders put out the flames after the mob attempted to set the bus on fire. Similar to that, a traffic sign was overturned and set on fire.