Why Are Tensions Rising Along the Assam-Meghalaya Border?

Shillong, June 25 (NationPress) Tensions flared again along the contentious Assam-Meghalaya border on Wednesday as a group of approximately 400 individuals from Meghalaya interrupted a plantation initiative led by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) in the disputed village of Lapangap.

Officials report that the crowd, comprising local residents and representatives from civil society groups like the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), dismantled wooden structures and uprooted saplings that had been planted during the KAAC's endeavor.

The altercation began around 11 AM, ignited by accusations that Assam was attempting to assert dominance over territory claimed by Meghalaya.

This hill, where the planting took place, is at the center of a protracted territorial conflict between Assam’s Karbi Anglong district and Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills.

It represents one of 12 sensitive segments along the 884.9-km interstate boundary, six of which remain unresolved even after a partial agreement was reached in 2022.

Officials from both states quickly dispatched police forces to the scene to ease the tensions. West Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhinav Kumar Singh confirmed that the situation had been stabilized.

“No prior notice was provided to the Meghalaya side concerning the plantation efforts,” Singh noted, adding that a planned peace meeting was canceled due to the absence of Assam officials.

Reports suggest that Assam Police employed tear gas during the confrontation. In response, Meghalaya has deployed border magistrates and local officials to the area to maintain order and oversee developments.

In a statement to the media, KSU general secretary Neilkee Mukhim accused authorities from Assam’s Karbi Anglong of breaching prior agreements and encroaching upon disputed territory.

He cautioned that local resistance would persist until the matter is resolved. To alleviate tensions, district officials have rescheduled peace discussions for Thursday, aiming to convene traditional village leaders and local councils for community-level dialogue.

The border dispute between Assam and Meghalaya traces back to 1972, when Meghalaya was separated from Assam.

While a first-phase agreement in 2022 resulted in the partition of control over six disputed areas—with Assam gaining 18.46 sq km and Meghalaya obtaining 18.33 sq km—remaining territories, including Lapangap, continue to be points of contention in ongoing negotiations.

Officials assert that maintaining the status quo and pursuing dialogue are their immediate concerns.