Tensions Rise at Assam-Meghalaya Border Over Census Dispute

Tensions have surged in Mukroh village along the Assam-Meghalaya border after Khasi residents disrupted national census operations, claiming their area belongs to Meghalaya. The confrontation escalated when residents threatened enumerators, asserting that they receive welfare benefits from Meghalaya. This incident highlights ongoing administrative challenges in the region, where many Khasi residents vote in Meghalaya elections while living in areas claimed by Assam. The situation is further complicated by a history of violence and unresolved border disputes between the two states. The recent events follow similar disputes in nearby areas, prompting calls for dialogue between state officials.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 15, 2026, 09:54 IST

Conflict Erupts in Mukroh Village

File image of Mukroh Village (Photo: META)

Diphu, Sept 15: Tensions have escalated in the Mukroh village area along the Assam-Meghalaya border, particularly in West Karbi Anglong, after Khasi villagers reportedly disrupted national census activities and threatened an enumerator with violence.

The conflict began on Monday morning when Assam government officials attempted to gather demographic information from households in Mukroh, also known as Mokru.

Local residents halted the census process, claiming that their area falls under Meghalaya's jurisdiction rather than Assam or the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC).

One resident expressed during the altercation, “We do not fall under the KAAC or Assam's administration. The Meghalaya government has consistently provided us with vital welfare benefits, including housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and other schemes for years. In contrast, we have received no assistance from Assam.”

Census officials reported facing direct threats. “Our team was conducting standard household data collection when we were surrounded by a group of residents who threatened our staff and demanded that we stop our work immediately,” recounted a census official in West Karbi Anglong.

This incident highlights an ongoing administrative challenge along the inter-state border, where many Khasi residents living in areas claimed by Assam participate in Meghalaya elections while also receiving benefits from the West Jaintia Hills district administration of Meghalaya.

In November 2022, Mukroh was the site of significant violence during a clash between local villagers and Assam Police and forest service personnel, resulting in six fatalities.

Despite both state governments signing a memorandum of understanding in 2022 to address six out of twelve disputed border sectors, complex areas like Block-I and Block-II, where Mukroh is situated, remain under negotiation.

This latest incident follows a similar dispute in the Langpih area along the Assam-Meghalaya border, where Meghalaya officials raised objections to Assam's census activities being conducted without prior notice to local authorities.

The situation prompted Meghalaya's Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong to instruct the State Chief Secretary to address the issue with his counterpart in Assam.