Shillong: The standoff between tourist taxi associations of Assam and Meghalaya, triggered by the August 19 violence in Shillong, was formally resolved on Tuesday following a meeting between the two state governments and transport stakeholders.

The two sides agreed to ensure the hassle-free movement of tourist taxis and address issues related to parking, toilet facilities and police checks. The governments also directed the police forces of Assam and Meghalaya to coordinate closely and prevent harassment during vehicle checks.

Officials said a sub-committee headed by the Transport Commissioners of both states would meet as and when required to address any future issues.

The agreement was reached at a meeting in Shillong jointly chaired by Assam Transport Minister Atul Bora and Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar. Seven tourist taxi associations from Assam and five from Meghalaya took part in the meeting.

The meeting followed bilateral discussions between the two state governments in Guwahati on August 22.Bora said the Assam government had taken up the matter with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma soon after the incidents involving Assam-registered vehicles in Shillong.

“Since then, sustained engagement between the two Governments and transport stakeholders has helped restore normalcy and strengthen confidence on the ground,” Bora said in a post on X. He said both sides held detailed discussions on the August 19 incidents and broader concerns over the safe and unhindered movement of vehicles and people between the two states.

Bora stressed that the safety, security and free movement of citizens must remain the priority. He also called for continued coordination and timely intervention to prevent misunderstandings and resolve emerging concerns. The minister said Assam and Meghalaya share strong social, cultural and economic ties, which must be protected despite administrative boundaries.