Delegation urges stronger police presence and early settlement of interstate boundary dispute
Shillong, September 9: Rambrai-Jyrngam MDC Lurshai Kharbani on Wednesday led a delegation of residents from Noapara in the Langpih area of West Khasi Hills to meet Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home, Prestone Tynsong, seeking government intervention following an alleged census and household verification exercise conducted by Assam officials in the disputed border area.
The delegation apprised Tynsong of the tension that reportedly arose at Noapara Lower Primary School on September 5, when an enumeration team from Assam allegedly carried out household verification and census-related activities without prior information or coordination with Meghalaya authorities.
According to the delegation, Noapara Rangbah Shnong Chankiyo Marak and resident Arthuch Sangma, accompanied by Meghalaya Police personnel, reached the school and questioned the Assam team over the exercise. A heated exchange reportedly followed before Assam Police personnel arrived and escorted the officials away from the area.
The gathering subsequently dispersed peacefully, with no physical confrontation reported.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Kharbani said residents approached the Deputy Chief Minister because they felt repeatedly disturbed and pressured by officials coming from the Assam side.
He alleged that some residents were being compelled to participate in Assam’s census exercise despite identifying themselves as residents of Meghalaya.
“Our people do not want to participate in the Assam census. They are residents of Meghalaya and do not understand why they should be included in two separate census exercises,” Kharbani said.
Demand for stronger security
The MDC urged the State Government to establish a permanent police outpost or strengthen existing security arrangements at Noapara, saying this would provide greater protection to residents and help prevent similar incidents.
Kharbani said an adequate Meghalaya Police presence would strengthen the sense of security among border residents and deter authorities from undertaking unilateral activities in the disputed area.
He also requested Tynsong to take up the matter with the Assam Government and expedite efforts to resolve the long-pending Meghalaya-Assam boundary dispute in the Langpih sector.
“The people want this issue to be resolved once and for all so that they can live peacefully without repeated interference or disturbances,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister reportedly assured the delegation that the State Government would examine the concerns raised and take up the matter with the appropriate authorities.
