Shillong, September 18: Following the detention of tourist taxis from Meghalaya at Jorabad and Khanapara in Ri-Bhoi District, the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) today announced the suspension of its protest, which had begun on September 16, 2025.
The decision came after the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of East Khasi Hills urgently convened a meeting in response to the unrest caused by the detention of Meghalaya vehicles in Assam.
For the past two days, AKMTTA had launched an agitation by distributing leaflets to Assam-based tourist vehicles, urging them not to operate in tourist destinations across Meghalaya. In retaliation, Assam’s taxi associations blocked vehicles from Meghalaya, preventing them from entering certain areas of the state.
Speaking to the media, AKMTTA spokesperson Balajied Jyrwa said the association agreed to suspend the protest after district authorities assured that a joint meeting with the state government would be held on September 23. The meeting is expected to involve the association, the Transport Department, the Tourism Department, and the office of the Chief Minister to discuss AKMTTA’s demands.
“After the September 23 meeting, we will decide whether to continue or permanently withdraw the agitation. For now, we have resolved to suspend it,” Jyrwa stated.
Clarifying the association’s stand, Jyrwa said AKMTTA members have not harassed Assam vehicles or tourists. He explained that the situation at Jorabad and Khanapara escalated because of false rumours claiming that Assam vehicles were being detained by AKMTTA members.
“If you visit the parking areas even today, you will still find Assam tourist taxis ferrying passengers. Our message to Assam drivers was only that they must stop at designated points, and from there, local Meghalaya taxis should be used to take visitors to various tourist spots,” Jyrwa added.
 today announced the suspension of its protest, which had begun on September 16, 2025.){kind=link}