Meghalaya Forms SIT to Address Assam Vehicle Attacks Amid Rising Tensions

Imphal, India Aug 22, 2026 ALN: Following a three-hour meeting aimed at addressing escalating tensions between Assam and Meghalaya, Meghalaya's Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar announced that strong actions would be taken against those involved in the August 19 incident. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to identify the individuals responsible for the attacks on Assam-registered vehicles.

"The Government of Meghalaya sincerely regrets the unfortunate incident of August 19, and I assure that strong action would be taken against those involved. A SIT has been constituted to identify all the miscreants involved in the case, particularly those responsible for attacking Assam-registered vehicles, and to ensure prosecution in accordance with law," Dhar stated at a press conference following the meeting.

Assam Minister Atul Bora represented the state during the meeting, which took place at Koinadhara in Guwahati. "I attended the important meeting with the Deputy Chief Minister and senior officials of Meghalaya, along with senior officials of Assam. We had a threadbare three-hour discussion and took several resolutions with the consent of the Chief Ministers of Assam and Meghalaya," Bora said.

Dhar informed that the president, vice-president, and general secretary of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) had been arrested under the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act in connection with the incident. So far, 15 FIRs have been registered related to the August 19 events.

"Five masked persons have so far been identified as being involved in the incident of August 19, particularly in the attacks on Assam-registered vehicles," Dhar added.

Regarding compensation for the vandalized Assam-registered vehicles, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that the matter had been assigned to the Chief Secretary for examination. "He will examine the matter. We will provide compensation as per law," Dhar assured.

More than 3,770 Assam-registered vehicles have been safely escorted from Meghalaya back into Assam. The Assam control room has received 54 distress calls involving 175 individuals who required evacuation assistance, including two private vehicles and five tourist vehicles. Meanwhile, the Meghalaya government reported receiving 379 distress calls and has taken steps to facilitate the safe transit of those stranded.

Movement of Stranded Vehicles

Most of the stranded vehicles, approximately 400-500, have successfully crossed key transit corridors, including the Umiam Lake section. "Any passengers in vehicles yet to be transferred to Assam will be safely escorted within the next 48 hours," Dhar confirmed.

Dedicated Coordination Mechanism

An integrated coordination mechanism will be established between the IG, Special Branch, Assam, and the IG, Law and Order, Meghalaya. An online support forum will also be activated to assist in locating and facilitating stranded individuals. The helpline numbers provided are +91 81014888 and 0361-2381511. These mechanisms will remain operational until the restrictions are fully normalized.

Permanent district-level joint committees will be constituted, comprising the Deputy Commissioner, Nongpoh, and the District Commissioner, Kamrup (Metropolitan), along with police officers from both districts, to ensure that day-to-day issues along the inter-State border are resolved promptly.

Joint Committee on Tourist Transport

A joint committee will be formed, comprising commissioner/secretary-level transport authorities from both states, along with representatives from tourist vehicle associations, to facilitate and regulate tourist transport movement and safeguard the shared tourism interests of Assam and Meghalaya.

Safe Transit Between the States

The governments of Assam and Meghalaya will take all necessary measures to ensure safe and secure transit arrangements. This includes facilitating the movement of vehicles traveling from southern Assam to other parts of the state, including the Barak Valley, to Meghalaya, as well as the movement of people from Meghalaya to Assam.

The Meghalaya government reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of tourists traveling from Assam and other parts of the country during their stay and movement within the state.

The August 19 attacks on Assam-registered vehicles have heightened tensions between the two states, leading to restrictions on the movement of people into Meghalaya. Bora confirmed that the Meghalaya government has assured Assam that the safety and security of individuals will be maintained.