Shillong, July 27: Tensions along the Meghalaya-Assam border have once again escalated as residents of Lapangap allege aggressive incursions by Karbi individuals and Assam Police personnel, who reportedly entered farmlands, felled trees, and disrupted cultivation efforts in the disputed Lapangap area of West Jaintia Hills.
The village headman, Bah Armilius Lipon, met with Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong to raise urgent concerns over repeated violations of the fragile peace along the border. According to Bah Lipon, Karbi individuals, allegedly backed by the Karbi Autonomous District Council (KADC), Karbi Students’ Association, and Assam Police, trespassed into Lapangap and cut down trees planted by residents. In response to peaceful protests by the villagers—mainly from Shilliang Myntang Ilaka—tear gas was allegedly used against the crowd.
The actions have sparked deep resentment and anger among the Jaintia-Pnar community, who feel betrayed by the Assam side’s alleged failure to uphold the 2011 status quo agreement governing disputed border zones. Some locals reportedly retaliated by removing encroachments, demanding equal respect for past agreements and protection of their traditional land rights.
Bah Lipon stressed the growing vulnerability of local farmers, many of whom depend on seasonal crops for survival. He urged the Meghalaya government to establish a permanent police outpost in Lapangap, noting that the nearest outposts at Barato, Khanduli, and Saitsoma are 20 to 30 kilometers away and difficult to access, especially during the monsoon season when road conditions worsen drastically.
“Our farmers are cultivating rice and other crops under constant threat,” said Bah Lipon. “The presence of Assam police in larger numbers makes it difficult for our villagers to feel safe on their ancestral land.”
The headman also emphasized that this was not an isolated incident but part of a long-standing struggle to defend land and identity, passed down through generations of Lapangap residents.
In response, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong assured the delegation that the Meghalaya government is closely monitoring the situation. He acknowledged the concerns raised and indicated that steps are being considered to strengthen the security infrastructure and ensure peace in the area.
