SHILLONG, MAY 18: Several pressure groups, including the Federation of Khasi Jaiñtia and Garo People (FKJGP) and Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) West Jaiñtia Hills district units, have strongly condemned the alleged attack on residents of Lapangap by Karbi-Tapat groups during an official meeting involving Meghalaya and Assam authorities.

The incident reportedly occurred while officials from the West Jaiñtia Hills district administration, the West Karbi Anglong district administration of Assam, and representatives of the Dorbar Shnong Lapangap were holding discussions over the long-standing border issue.

FKJGP West Jaiñtia Hills vice president Kitborlang Nongphlang, who visited Lapangap to express solidarity with the villagers, termed the incident “unfortunate and unacceptable,” particularly at a time when both state administrations were attempting to resolve the matter through dialogue.

He urged the Meghalaya Government, district administration and police authorities to ensure adequate protection for the people and farmers of Lapangap, stating that local residents should be allowed to cultivate their paddy fields without fear or interference.

Nongphlang also called for a permanent resolution to the recurring tensions in the area, saying repeated meetings without concrete outcomes have failed to restore lasting peace.

The NGOs appealed to the authorities to maintain sufficient security deployment along the border and to initiate firm action against individuals responsible for creating unrest.

According to the organisations, the Lapangap issue should not be viewed merely as a temporary law-and-order concern but as a serious matter involving land rights, livelihood, safety and the rights of local farmers living in the border region.