“Cooperation between the authorities of both states is crucial to safeguard development and ensure peace for border residents.”
— Bah Thomas Passah, Convenor, HBDRF

Shillong, June 27, 2025: The Hynñiewtrep Border Disputes Redressal Forum (HBDRF) has called for immediate intervention by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma following renewed tensions along the inter-state border at Lapangap village, Block-1, in West Jaintia Hills district.

Speaking on behalf of the Forum, Convenor Bah Thomas Passah expressed deep concern over the alleged aggressive actions by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, which reportedly carried out a tree plantation drive in Lapangap on June 10 without consulting local Meghalaya authorities. Although a meeting between the district administrations of West Karbi Anglong (Assam) and West Jaintia Hills (Meghalaya) was held on June 19 to defuse tensions and halt further activities, the Assam side allegedly continued the plantation work.

Matters escalated on June 25 when residents of Lapangap, joined by members of local pressure groups, uprooted the planted saplings in protest. This act triggered a violent confrontation between members of the Karbi and Pnar communities, reportedly involving stone-pelting, slingshots, and tear gas shelling by Assam Police, which led to injuries among Pnar villagers. There are also allegations that Karbi individuals destroyed paddy fields belonging to local Pnar residents during the unrest.

The situation further intensified on June 26, when a large contingent of Assam Police allegedly attempted to establish a camp within the disputed territory, sparking fears of a prolonged security presence.

The HBDRF has strongly urged the Meghalaya government to deploy additional security personnel to protect the border population and to prevent any unauthorized encroachment or camp construction by Assam forces. The Forum has also appealed to both Chief Ministers—Conrad K. Sangma of Meghalaya and Himanta Biswa Sarma of Assam—to personally visit the affected area and initiate dialogue-based solutions to restore peace.

“Cooperation between the authorities of both states is crucial to safeguard development and ensure peace for border residents,” emphasized Bah Thomas Passah.

The Lapangap incident is the latest in a series of flare-ups along the disputed Meghalaya-Assam border, underscoring the urgent need for permanent resolution mechanisms and transparent inter-state communication to prevent further violence and protect vulnerable communities caught in the crossfire.