Nongpoh, October 31: Hima Jirang has demanded an immediate halt to bridge construction being undertaken by the Assam Public Works Department (PWD) at Umshru, alleging that the project site falls within Meghalaya’s territory and could escalate tensions along the interstate boundary.

The demand follows a joint inspection of the site by officials from Meghalaya and Assam on Friday, after Hima Jirang lodged a complaint with the Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner.

During the inspection, Assam officials maintained that the site fell within Assam, a claim disputed by Hima Jirang Secretary Sranly Wahlang, who presented a map that he said showed Umshru as part of Meghalaya.

Patharkhmah Civil Sub-Divisional Officer Vaibhav Anand Sharma, IAS, emphasised the need to maintain peace and resolve the matter through dialogue.

The Assam delegation comprised officials and police personnel, while the Meghalaya team included the SDO, engineers, police personnel and representatives of Hima Jirang.

Speaking after the inspection, Wahlang said the Hima approached the district administration after learning that Assam’s PWD was undertaking bridge construction at the site. He alleged that the project was an attempt by Assam to assert control over land claimed by Meghalaya.

He said Hima Jirang and local residents wanted the construction work suspended until both states reached an agreement. Work could resume once a mutually acceptable settlement was reached, he added.

Wahlang also expressed concern that infrastructure projects, particularly when accompanied by signboards identifying disputed areas as part of Assam, could further intensify the boundary dispute and undermine Meghalaya’s territorial claim.