Nongpoh, September 21, 2026: John D. Sangma, a member of the All Khasi Hills Achik Federation (AKHAF), has criticised the Meghalaya and Assam governments over the recurring border tensions in Maikhuli, Ri-Bhoi district.

Addressing a public meeting organised by the Maikhuli Dorbar at the village playground, Sangma said residents were angered by the alleged action of the Assam district administration, which reportedly deployed a bulldozer and demolished a portion of the football ground’s boundary wall on September 19.

He alleged that repeated interference by Assam authorities had created fear and insecurity among Maikhuli residents. Instead of finding a permanent solution, he said, the two governments had allowed the border dispute to repeatedly disturb peace and heighten tensions.

“The people of Maikhuli face this problem time and again. There is no sense of security along the border,” Sangma said.

Sangma accused political leaders of approaching border residents during elections with assurances to protect their land and interests, but failing to address the issue after coming to power.

He maintained that the Meghalaya Police were capable of protecting the state’s territory and its residents if given clear authority and full backing by the government. He questioned why the police appeared restrained when Assam officials allegedly entered the disputed area.

Sangma urged the Meghalaya Government to move beyond what he described as “empty political assurances” and take firm measures to protect the people and land of Maikhuli.

He also appealed to different communities living in the area to remain united in protecting their common interests. While acknowledging that communities may have different interests and organisations, he said they should stand together whenever their land and collective rights were threatened.

“If necessary, we are prepared to shed our blood for the protection of our land in Maikhuli,” he said.

The meeting was attended by local residents and representatives of organisations representing the Garo community residing in the Khasi Hills. The participants jointly condemned the alleged demolition and called for immediate government intervention to prevent further escalation along the Meghalaya-Assam border.