Tension on Assam-Meghalaya border:Dispute began after Assam residents were assaulted during KSU rally in Shillong

The dispute, which started on Wednesday after people from Assam were assaulted in Meghalaya, has now spread to several parts of the state. Incidents of arson and petrol bomb attacks on government property have been reported in Meghalaya. Assam has also blocked its borders with Meghalaya. On Wednesday, people from Assam were assaulted, and their vehicles were set on fire during a rally by the Khasi Students Union (KSU) in Shillong, Meghalaya. A total of 31 vehicles were damaged in the violence, most of them with Assam registration numbers. Sporadic incidents of violence were later reported in several districts of Meghalaya. Most of those affected by the violence were from Assam. In protest, taxi drivers in Guwahati blocked traffic on National Highway-27. Police outpost attacked in Shillong The situation in Shillong remained normal throughout Thursday. However, at around 9:30 pm, unidentified people threw a petrol bomb at the Nongmensong police outpost. The bomb landed inside the outpost premises and set a chair on fire. CRPF personnel were present on the upper floor of the building at the time. The fire was brought under control before it could spread. Police said a case would be registered over the incident. CCTV footage from the area will also be examined. Assam organisations put forward demands Driver organisations and tourist cab operators in Assam have demanded an apology from Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and the state’s Tourism Minister. They have also sought compensation for the vehicles damaged and people injured in the incident, along with a written assurance guaranteeing the safety of Assam-registered vehicles and their drivers travelling in Meghalaya. The organisations warned that vehicles registered in Meghalaya would not be allowed to enter Assam until their demands are met. Some social media users in Assam have also called for a six-month boycott of Meghalaya as a weekend tourist destination. Chief Ministers of both states agree to restore peace Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma have agreed to work together to ease tensions between the two states and restore peace and normalcy. Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Siawbhalang Dhar and Assam Cabinet Minister Atul Bora have been tasked with holding discussions on the issue. The two ministers are exploring measures to improve the situation, prevent further incidents, ensure the safety of passengers and transport operators, and maintain the uninterrupted movement of essential goods and services. Five companies of central forces to remain deployed until August 25 The Centre on Thursday approved the deployment of five companies of central forces in Meghalaya to assist the state police in maintaining law and order. The deployment includes four companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and one company of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), which will remain in the state until August 25. The Meghalaya government has appealed to the public to maintain peace and refrain from activities that could further escalate tensions. Police and security forces have stepped up security in sensitive areas of Shillong and other parts of the state as authorities seek to prevent further violence.