Lapangap, May 30: The situation in the border village of Lapangap remained largely peaceful on Saturday as security forces from both Meghalaya and Assam continued to maintain a strong presence following recent tensions in the disputed area.
Meghalaya Police personnel remained stationed in villages to ensure the safety of residents, while Assam Police continued to be deployed in agricultural fields and cultivation areas claimed by villagers of Lapangap.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the border dispute, Pnar farmers continued their agricultural activities. During a visit to the area, several farmers were seen clearing weeds and preparing their fields ahead of the upcoming paddy cultivation season.
However, villagers expressed concern that access to some far-flung agricultural lands remains restricted. According to residents, the absence of security escorts to these areas has left many farmers reluctant to venture into disputed zones due to safety concerns.
Several farmers voiced disappointment over what they described as the lack of visible progress despite discussions held at various levels. They alleged that while meetings and consultations have taken place, little has changed on the ground to ensure their safety and unrestricted access to their farmlands.
The long-standing boundary dispute between Meghalaya and Assam continues to affect daily life in Lapangap. Villagers claimed that members of the Karbi community have, on several occasions, obstructed farming activities, disrupting the livelihoods of local residents who depend heavily on agriculture.
Residents acknowledged that the deployment of Meghalaya Police within the villages has provided a sense of reassurance. Nevertheless, they expressed concern that Assam Police continue to occupy disputed agricultural areas, a situation they said remains unresolved.
Recent tensions in Lapangap had sparked fears of further escalation following confrontations involving local farmers and Karbi groups. However, the situation has since stabilized with the deployment of security personnel from both states.
Efforts to ease tensions have also included dialogue between stakeholders. Meetings were held on May 14 and May 18 involving leaders from Lapangap and representatives of the Karbi community in the presence of officials from West Jaintia Hills District Administration and Karbi Anglong District Administration to address misunderstandings and seek a peaceful resolution.
Earlier, Jagpal Singh Dhanoa had maintained that the disputed farmlands fall within Meghalaya’s jurisdiction and asserted that local farmers should be allowed to continue cultivation without interference.
Meanwhile, on May 29, Conrad K. Sangma, accompanied by Sniawbhalang Dhar, met Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati to discuss the situation in Lapangap and other pending border-related issues between the two neighbouring states.
Speaking to this correspondent, several women farmers said that although they remain committed to cultivating their lands, fear and uncertainty continue to overshadow their daily lives. Agriculture, they noted, remains the primary source of livelihood for most families in the area, and ongoing tensions have forced some farmers to reduce or temporarily suspend cultivation activities.
The women also expressed concern for the safety of their families and children, saying that memories of recent incidents continue to affect their sense of security.
While acknowledging the role played by security forces in maintaining peace, residents stressed that a lasting solution can only be achieved through sustained dialogue between the governments of Meghalaya and Assam.
“We do not want conflict or disputes. We only want to go to our fields, work honestly, and provide for our families,” said one woman farmer.
Residents remain hopeful that continued talks between the two state governments will pave the way for a permanent settlement of the border dispute, allowing normalcy to return to Lapangap and enabling farmers to pursue their livelihoods without fear or uncertainty.
