Escalating Tensions Over Assam-Meghalaya Border Dispute

The inter-state boundary dispute between Assam and Meghalaya has escalated, particularly concerning Blocks I and II in West Karbi Anglong. Local organizations are contesting claims from Meghalaya factions, asserting that these territories belong to the Karbi kingdom. Recent discussions between the Chief Ministers of both states aim to expedite resolutions, but tensions remain high, especially following a tragic incident last year. Community leaders emphasize the need for recognition of historical claims and administrative boundaries as they advocate for a fair resolution to the ongoing conflict.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 2, 2026, 10:11 IST

Rising Concerns Over Inter-State Boundary Dispute

Assam CM & Meghalaya CM discussing the recent tensions in Lapangap and resolution for inter-state border row (Photo: @SangmaConrad/X)

Diphu, June 2: The ongoing boundary dispute between Assam and Meghalaya, particularly in Blocks I and II of West Karbi Anglong, has raised significant alarm among local residents.

Local social groups are strongly opposing claims from certain Meghalaya factions, who argue that these regions historically belong to the Jaintia Hills. In contrast, these organizations assert that the territories have always been part of the Karbi kingdom.

Recent discussions between Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya's Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma have led to an agreement aimed at hastening the resolution of this territorial conflict.

A delegation led by Sangma has been addressing various inter-state matters, committing to expedite the boundary demarcation process to achieve a lasting solution.

A high-level delegation, including Dr. Tuliram Ronghang, Chief Executive Member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), along with MP Amarsing Tisso and newly elected MLAs, was scheduled to visit the strategic Tapat area on June 1. However, this visit was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, with plans to reschedule soon.

Community leaders stress that the disputed land has historical ties to the Karbi kingdom, whose capital was located in Socheng, roughly 10 km from Khanduli.

The current royal seat is in the temporary capital of Rong Arak (Ronghang Rongbong), situated about 12 km from Hamren, the administrative hub of West Karbi Anglong district.

Proponents of Karbi rights reference official documents from the early 1950s, indicating that the establishment of Karbi Anglong district (formerly Mikir Hills) on November 17, 1951, encompassed areas traditionally inhabited by the Karbi people from Sivasagar and the then Nowgong districts, as well as Mikir-dominated regions of the Jowai subdivision (Blocks I & II).

This inclusion was authorized under Assam Government Notification No. TAD/R/31/50 dated October 3, 1950, which was later ratified by the Governor.

The Karbi community is pressing for the Government of Meghalaya to recognize this historical notification and maintain the established administrative boundaries.

It is noteworthy that tensions along the border escalated last year when a Karbi farmer, Oriwel Timung, was tragically shot during clashes in Tapat village, a known flashpoint in these disputes.

Reports from Tapat Police Station indicate that Timung sustained fatal injuries from police gunfire during a confrontation involving local farmers and security forces, highlighting the entrenched issues surrounding land and resource access.

Recently, tensions have reignited in Tapat as members of the Khasi community attempted to enter Assam territory for paddy harvesting, further complicating the already tense inter-state border situation.

As the boundary dispute remains a pressing issue, the indigenous Karbi population continues to advocate for a swift and fair resolution that respects historical context and administrative precedents.