Meghalaya Deputy CM Visits Conflict Zone Amid Tensions with Assam

Visit to Lapangap Amid Rising Tensions

Shillong, July 9: On Tuesday, Sniawbhalang Dhar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya, traveled to the Lapangap region, which has recently experienced violent incidents, reportedly involving arson by residents from both Meghalaya and Assam.

Dhar, who also leads the regional committee for West Jaintia Hills aimed at resolving the long-standing boundary conflict with Assam, sought to gather firsthand information regarding the recent clashes.

Accompanying him were Thombor Shiwat, Chief Executive Member of the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council, along with West Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhinav Kumar Singh and SP Jagpal Singh Dhanao.

The area around Lapangap has been a point of contention, with both states asserting ownership over certain villages. On June 25, residents from Meghalaya removed sandalwood saplings planted by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) and set fire to a structure in the vicinity.

Officials from Meghalaya have alleged that the KAAC conducted the tree planting without proper authorization, as both states had previously agreed to maintain a status quo regarding development in the area.

In response, villagers from Assam reportedly torched thatched huts in agricultural fields over the past few days, with claims from Meghalaya residents that their crops were also damaged.

“Our community is firmly opposed to the plantation initiative. Currently, there is no plantation occurring in the area,” stated Dhar after reviewing the paddy fields owned by Lapangap villagers.

He expressed concern about the challenges faced by farmers in conducting their agricultural activities, stating, “We will engage with the Assam Government shortly to ensure our villagers can farm their paddy fields without fear.”

Additionally, the Deputy Commissioners of West Jaintia Hills and West Karbi Anglong are scheduled to meet soon to alleviate tensions and seek a collaborative resolution.

Dhar confirmed that sufficient police presence has been established in the area to safeguard the local population.