Imphal, Oct 10 – Meghalaya’s Chief Minister Conrad Sangma asked residents to stay calm after a violent clash on the Assam‑Meghalaya border left one person dead and several injured.
During a two‑day trip to Manipur, Sangma called the Thursday incident “deeply unfortunate.” He said it highlighted a long‑standing border dispute that has tested relations between the two states for years.
Border tension in the Lapangap area
The clash erupted in Assam’s West Karbi Anglong district when people from Meghalaya allegedly started harvesting paddy on land that both states claim. Villagers from Tapat, near the Hamren police station, objected. The confrontation turned violent, killing a member of the Karbi community and injuring others.
Sangma said both state governments had expected unrest during the harvest season and had already deployed police to the area. “Police from both sides asked people to keep calm,” he noted. “Despite this, a scuffle broke out, leading to a tragic loss of life.”
A pattern of yearly disputes
He added that similar tensions often flare up every year when farmers from Assam and Meghalaya work on disputed lands. The governments normally try to resolve these disputes locally with community leaders and peace committees.
Moving towards a lasting resolution
Sangma emphasized that Meghalaya remains committed to peacefully resolving the border dispute that covers 12 areas. “We have already settled six of those through mutual understanding,” he said. “No government in the past five decades has taken such steps. We’re working to resolve the remaining six.”
He urged citizens to cooperate with authorities and keep the peace. “If people act peacefully, the government can find lasting solutions,” he said.
The state government welcomes dialogue and stresses that restraint is essential to prevent future violence.
Source: ianslive
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