Long queues of vehicles have been seen at petrol pumps in Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, as people wait to fill up their tanks with petrol and diesel. The rush is being linked to fears that fuel supply could be disrupted amid rising tension between Assam and Meghalaya. Residents are worried that if movement of people and goods between the two states remains disrupted, it could lead to a shortage of petrol and diesel.
A local resident said there could be a crisis, which is why there is such a crowd, adding that life without petrol is difficult. Another person said the situation would only become clear after a meeting. A local also claimed to have received information that fuel supply from Assam had been halted.
What Led to the Situation
The crowds at Shillong's petrol pumps are being attributed largely to a violent incident on 19 August. On that day, the Khasi Students' Union (KSU) had taken out a bike rally with black flags. During the demonstration, the situation deteriorated, leading to stone-pelting, attacks on vehicles and incidents of arson. Several vehicles were damaged, including those bearing Assam registration numbers. Statues were also allegedly vandalised during the unrest. In connection with the violence, Meghalaya Police have arrested three key leaders of the student organisation.
Following the violent incidents and attacks on Assam-registered vehicles in Shillong, the Assam Cab Drivers' Association and local residents have been protesting since 20 August in the Jorabat area on the Assam-Meghalaya border. Protesters are not allowing any vehicle coming from Meghalaya to enter Assam, with the exception of ambulances and vehicles carrying students.
Meanwhile, petroleum workers have halted the loading and unloading of fuel in Meghalaya, which has heightened fears of a petrol and diesel shortage in Shillong.
Appeal for Peace and Harmony Between the Two States
Assam's Minister for Border Protection and Development, Atul Bora, said that on the instructions of Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, he had spoken with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. He said the Meghalaya Chief Minister has assigned Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar the responsibility of discussing the situation and exploring measures to restore peace and smooth movement between the two states.
Atul Bora appealed to the people of both states to maintain peace and harmony, stating that the relationship between the two states goes back a long way. The Assam government has also issued helpline numbers to assist people from Assam who are stranded in Meghalaya or facing difficulties with movement.