Border Tensions Rise Again in Lapangap Despite Ongoing Assam-Meghalaya Talks
Fresh tension has resurfaced in the Lapangap sector along the Meghalaya-Assam border after villagers were allegedly prevented from cultivating paddy fields they claim to have farmed for generations, prompting deployment of heavy security forces in the area.
SHILLONG/ GUWAHATI Fresh tension has erupted in the Lapangap sector along the Meghalaya-Assam border after local villagers were allegedly stopped from carrying out cultivation activities in paddy fields they claim to have farmed for generations.
The situation prompted the Meghalaya government to deploy a large contingent of Meghalaya Police personnel, including SF-10 commandos, to maintain law and order in the sensitive border area located in Lapangap.
According to local residents, tension escalated on Monday when farmers from Lapangap attempted to resume seasonal cultivation in agricultural fields traditionally cultivated by villagers from the area. However, groups from the Karbi Anglong side allegedly obstructed the farming activities, triggering fresh unrest in the disputed region.
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Speaking to reporters at Lapangap, Jagpal Singh Dhanoa said that while the broader interstate boundary issue remains under discussion between the two state governments, there is no ambiguity regarding the traditional cultivation rights of Lapangap villagers.
According to Dhanoa, local farmers have historically cultivated the paddy fields and their possession over the agricultural land is well established. He stated that farmers had gone to begin cultivation when they were allegedly stopped by certain individuals from across the Assam side.
The SP further claimed that although the Assam Police had initially assured cooperation and coordination, groups later emerged in the area and allegedly attempted to create tension. Security personnel were subsequently deployed to prevent any untoward incident and maintain peace in the area.
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Villagers also alleged that the Assam side had deployed a significant number of security personnel amid the ongoing standoff.
The Lapangap sector has remained one of the recurring flashpoints along the Meghalaya-Assam border, with residents from West Jaintia Hills repeatedly alleging obstruction of cultivation and harvesting activities in disputed areas.
Meanwhile, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said discussions between stakeholders from both sides were held recently to address the issue. He stated that while the talks remained peaceful, several matters are still unresolved.
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“There are still some points to be settled and it may take another day or two,” Dhar said, adding that no final decision has been taken regarding the resumption of cultivation activities in the disputed fields.
He clarified that the recent meeting focused specifically on the Lapangap situation rather than the broader interstate boundary dispute. Dhar also said that the Chief Ministers of both states are closely coordinating on the matter.
The renewed tension has also drawn political reactions. The Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee criticised the Assam-Meghalaya border agreement, arguing that excluding traditional heads, Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), and local residents from negotiations could deepen tensions in disputed regions.
MPCC president Vincent H. Pala described the border pact as “lip service” and warned that agreements reached solely between governments may fail to ensure lasting peace if communities directly affected do not accept the terms.
The developments once again highlight the fragile nature of unresolved border issues in the Northeast, where questions of land ownership, cultivation rights, and local identity remain deeply intertwined with administrative and political negotiations.
