Guwahati, Aug 20: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Meghalaya counterpart Conrad Sangma called for peace, restraint and dialogue after violence during a protest rally in Shillong triggered tensions and a blockade between the two neighbouring states, on Thursday. The two chief ministers spoke after the fallout from the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU)’s “Black Flag” bike rally in Shillong spilled into Assam, where Assam-based taxi and commercial vehicle drivers blocked traffic to Meghalaya at Khanapara and Jorabat.

Sarma said he had conveyed Assam’s concern to Sangma over the recent incidents in Shillong, particularly those involving Assam-registered vehicles. He said Assam Minister for Border Protection Atul Bora had been asked to coordinate closely with the authorities in Meghalaya and work towards ensuring that “peace and normalcy prevail” between the two states.

“Assam and Meghalaya are sister States, bound by deep historical, cultural and people-to-people ties. Mutual respect, restraint and sensitivity must guide us at all times…,” Sarma said in a social media post, stressing that mutual respect, restraint and sensitivity must guide both sides.

“We must do everything within our power to preserve the harmony, friendship and goodwill that have long defined the relationship between our people,” the post added. I also conveyed to Shri @SangmaConrad Assam’s concern over the recent incidents in Shillong, particularly those involving Assam-registered vehicles.

co/CaidQwOvy2— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) August 20, 2026 Sangma, meanwhile, said he had spoken with Sarma about the “unfortunate violence” in Shillong on August 19 and the reactions that followed, which had affected common people and commuters in both states. The two chief ministers agreed to work together to normalise the situation, Sangma said, adding that designated Cabinet ministers from both states would meet to take the discussions forward and explore ways to restore peace, trust and normalcy.

The calls for calm came after the fallout from the KSU’s “Black Flag” bike rally in Shillong spilled into Assam on Thursday, with Assam-based taxi and commercial vehicle drivers blocking traffic to Meghalaya at Khanapara and Jorabat. The blockade followed alleged violence and unruly conduct in Shillong on Wednesday evening during the rally, with allegations of stone-pelting, vandalism and assaults on motorists and passengers.

The state drivers’ association alleged that Assam-registered vehicles were specifically targeted during the unrest. In a statement issued on Thursday, the association demanded an apology from Sangma and Meghalaya Tourism Minister Timothy D.