Tensions Erupt Over Census Work in Disputed Assam-Meghalaya Border Area

Tensions have escalated along the Assam-Meghalaya border following a census team's unannounced visit to the disputed Langpih area. Villagers from Meghalaya objected to the census activities, leading to a confrontation. The Superintendent of Police confirmed that the situation has been resolved, but this incident highlights ongoing sensitivities regarding territorial claims and administrative jurisdiction in the region. The Langpih area remains one of the most contentious zones between the two states, with a history of conflict. This latest episode raises questions about the complexities of conducting government operations in disputed territories.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 8, 2026, 12:06 IST

Conflict Arises Over Census Activities

A file image of Phase 1 of Assam-Meghalaya border dispute resolution talks (Photo: @NirajBora3/ X)

Shillong, Sept 8: Recent census activities in the disputed Langpih region have sparked objections from local villagers, leading to heightened tensions along the Assam-Meghalaya border, as reported by West Khasi Hills police.

Superintendent of Police Herbert Pyniaid Kharkongor noted that on September 3, officials from Assam initiated census-related work without notifying their counterparts in Meghalaya, which led to the unrest.

“On that day, Assam officials attempted to conduct census activities, but faced objections from Meghalaya villagers, resulting in a tense situation,” Kharkongor explained.

The incident occurred at the Noapara Lower Primary School, where an enumeration team from Assam was verifying households.

Given that Langpih is a contested area, it is customary for officials from both states to communicate prior to any official activities in the region, he added.

Kharkongor confirmed that the situation has since been resolved peacefully and normalcy has returned.

This incident highlights ongoing sensitivities regarding census enumeration in border villages, where conflicting territorial claims and administrative jurisdiction issues complicate government operations.

Previously, census workers faced resistance from residents in several Garo-majority villages in Assam's South Kamrup district, such as Ukiam and Borghuli.

Local representatives have expressed concerns about the influence of groups perceived to support Meghalaya's territorial claims in these areas.

The Garo Development Council of Assam had earlier raised alarms regarding the refusal of residents in Ukiam and Borghuli to cooperate with census personnel.

While the immediate conflict at Langpih has been alleviated, this incident underscores the delicate nature of administrative tasks in the disputed Assam-Meghalaya border regions.

Langpih is one of six unresolved areas along the Assam-Meghalaya border and has historically been a hotspot for tensions. Notably, in 2010, police firing during clashes resulted in the deaths of four Khasi villagers and injuries to eight others.