Enhanced Security Measures in Disputed Lapangap Village Amid Tensions
Increased Security Presence in Lapangap Village
A file image of Lapangap village clash.
SHILLONG, May 15: A significant security presence has been established in the contested Lapangap village and its surrounding areas within the West Jaintia Hills district, with the deployment of at least three platoons of Meghalaya Police, including specialized commandos, over recent days.
According to Meghalaya's Director General of Police, Idashisha Nongrang, an additional platoon of Special Force-10 commandos was dispatched to the region on Thursday morning.
“The current deployment will be assessed based on the law-and-order conditions in the area,” she noted.
This action follows complaints from Lapangap villagers who assert that they are unable to farm their lands due to intimidation from residents of Assam. Some locals allege that individuals from the neighboring state are destroying their saplings both during the day and at night.
Residents are also requesting the removal of the night curfew imposed in the area, which was enacted after violent incidents and the death of a resident from Assam last year. They believe that lifting the curfew would allow them to better monitor their fields.
Furthermore, they are advocating for enhanced security measures, including an increased presence of law enforcement, to ensure their ability to cultivate their land. On Wednesday, they marched to the state capital and received assurances of improved security from Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar.
In response to the situation, the Meghalaya Government has set up a police outpost approximately 19 km from Barato. This outpost was strategically placed away from Lapangap, as both states had agreed to maintain the existing status quo regarding security infrastructure. However, they also consented to allow ongoing developmental activities.
Currently, Assam Police operates a camp near Lapangap, and the Meghalaya Police are considering establishing a similar facility close to the disputed area to enhance security for local residents, as stated by the DGP.