Shillong: The uneasy calm along the Assam–Meghalaya border gave way to relief on Tuesday as villagers from both sides reached a peace agreement, allowing farmers to restart paddy harvesting after weeks of tension and violence.
The breakthrough came during a joint coordination meeting held at the Assam Border Outpost in Khanduli, where officials from West Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya and West Karbi Anglong in Assam met with local leaders from Lapangap and Tahpat villages.
The discussions led to both communities signing an understanding to maintain peace and extend full cooperation to the authorities.
The accord follows the October 8 clash that claimed the life of Oriwel Timung of Tahpat village and intensified hostility in the border area.
Officials from both states pledged an impartial probe into the incident while ensuring that villagers’ livelihoods are safeguarded during the crucial harvest period.
Senior officers, including West Jaintia Hills Border Magistrate G.H. Passah, West Karbi Anglong Deputy Commissioner S.P. Sarma, Superintendent of Police R. Barua, and traditional headmen from both sides, attended the meeting. They jointly appealed to residents to avoid provocation and uphold peace along the sensitive stretch.
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Authorities described the agreement as a vital confidence-building measure, enabling farmers to return to their fields without fear.
“This is a crucial step toward restoring trust between the two communities. Our main focus is ensuring that people can live and work in peace,” a senior official said after the meeting.
Both state administrations have also agreed to strengthen coordination and set up rapid-response mechanisms to prevent future flare-ups.
The peace move has been widely welcomed by villagers, who expressed relief that normalcy has returned, allowing them to continue harvesting without disruption.
