Shillong: Fresh tension erupted along the Assam-Meghalaya border on Thursday after a violent clash broke out between two groups over paddy harvesting in Assam’s West Karbi Anglong district, leaving one person dead and another injured, officials confirmed.
According to police, the incident occurred near Tapat village under Hamren police station, where villagers from both sides of the border claimed ownership of the disputed farmland.
The altercation turned violent when a group from Meghalaya reportedly began harvesting crops, prompting opposition from locals on the Assam side.
In the ensuing clash, a 48-year-old man from Assam, identified as Oriwell Timung, was killed, while another person sustained injuries.
Police resorted to firing tear gas shells to disperse the crowd and prevent further escalation.
The injured was shifted to a nearby hospital, and the deceased’s body was sent for post-mortem examination.
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Authorities said tension had been simmering in the area for over a week over ownership of agricultural land.
An Inter-State Border Peace Committee meeting held on October 6 had decided to halt all farming and development activities in the disputed zone until calm was restored.
Senior police officers have reached the spot to assess the situation and ensure additional security deployment.
The situation remains tense but under control, officials said.
