Shillong: Tensions surfaced along the Assam-Meghalaya border on Wednesday morning as residents of Lapangap village in Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills, joined by local pressure groups, dismantled structures and uprooted tree saplings to protest plantation activities allegedly carried out by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC).
Protesters claimed these actions constituted an encroachment into Meghalaya’s territory.
According to West Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhinav Kumar Singh, adequate police forces were deployed to the area, and the situation was later brought under control.
“The plantation activities were initiated by the KAAC without prior intimation to Assam’s district administration or police,” Singh said.
He added that the district administration received information about the plantation a week prior and had been working to restrain local residents from intervening as a peace meeting was scheduled.
The peace meeting, planned for 9 am on Wednesday at Tahpat village—claimed by Assam—did not proceed as representatives from the village failed to appear.
Meanwhile, over 150 residents from Lapangap went to the plantation site, leading to the dismantling of structures and uprooting of saplings.
Singh stated that both district administrations were making efforts to restrain their respective communities and maintain order.
“Police have been stationed at the site to monitor the situation and prevent any further disturbances,” he said, adding that the situation was moving toward resolution and was expected to be fully under control within a few hours.
A follow-up peace meeting between village leaders and their councils from both sides has been scheduled for tomorrow to foster dialogue and avoid future conflicts.
The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) extended full support for the actions of Lapangap’s dorbar shnong, condemning the plantation activities as an illegal encroachment.
KSU representatives accused the Karbi community of violating agreements to maintain the status quo, stating that dismantling the structures was a necessary step to protect Meghalaya’s land.
“Despite reports of tear gas being used by Assam police, we stand firm in defending our territory,” said a KSU leader.
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JSU general secretary Neilkee Mukhim echoed these sentiments, alleging that the plantation activities disregarded earlier agreements between West Karbi Anglong and West Jaintia Hills district administrations.
He further stated that in 2023, similar plantations were halted after both states agreed to maintain the status quo. However, the Karbi community has resumed their activities, prompting the people of Lapangap to take action.
Mukhim emphasised the importance of respecting agreements, especially as the second phase of talks between the two states to resolve border disputes remains ongoing.
