Shillong: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong announced on Monday that seven new Border Outposts (BOPs) have been established in four districts along the disputed boundary with Assam to ensure the safety and security of residents in the region.
The BOPs have been set up at Rani-Jirang in Ri Bhoi district; Langpih, Lejadubi, and Umwali in West Khasi Hills district; Mooriap in East Jaintia Hills; and Tihwieh and Mukroh in West Jaintia Hills.
Tynsong, addressing the Assembly during a call attention motion, emphasised the government’s commitment to safeguarding border residents.
“The government remains committed to protecting the rights and security of border residents, and necessary measures will continue to address their concerns,” Tynsong, who also serves as the Home Minister, assured.
Efforts to resolve the long-standing Assam-Meghalaya border dispute have included active engagement with community leaders and residents.
In March 2022, Assam and Meghalaya reached an agreement to end a five-decade-old dispute in six of the 12 contentious areas along their shared 884.9-km border.
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In addition to the BOPs, the Meghalaya government has sanctioned nine new police outposts across five districts in the state, though these are not located in border areas.
Tynsong also highlighted the successful intervention by the West Jaintia Hills district administration in Mukroh village, which helped ease tensions and enabled residents to participate in Tribal Council elections despite earlier threats of a boycott due to unrest.
The deputy CM reaffirmed the government’s dedication to maintaining peace and harmony in the border areas through consistent efforts and timely interventions.
