SHILLONG: The recent clash in the border village of Lapangap in West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya is set to be a key discussion point in the border talks between Assam and Meghalaya on Saturday in Guwahati.
The crucial Assam-Meghalaya border talk is scheduled to be held on Saturday at State Guest House at Khanapara in the southern periphery of Guwahati.
Sniawbhalang Dhar, Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya assured that while the situation in Lapangap is under control, the state government is closely monitoring the events leading up to Saturday’s Chief Ministerial-level meeting between the two states.
Additional forces have been deployed at Lapangap, and the Meghalaya government is hopeful of a permanent resolution of the issue of border dispute between the two states.
Admitting that Lapangap is not a recognised area of difference between Assam and Meghalaya, Dhar said that it unfortunate that the village has become a hotspot for conflict.
On September 28, officials from Meghalaya and Assam convened a crucial meeting at the deputy commissioner (DC) level to address the escalating tensions in Lapangap village.
BS Sohliya, deputy commissioner of West Jaiñtia Hills and C Syrti, the superintendent of police of the district had meeting with the West Karbi Anglong district commissioner Krishna Baruah and superintendent of police I Barua to bring the situation under control.
Tensions had mounted in the area when a large group of Karbi villagers allegedly attacked Pnar farmers with bows and arrows on September 26.
The incident quickly snowballed into a day-long clash between the two communities as additional villagers were drawn into the confrontation.
In past few months, Lapangap and neighbouring areas have witnessed heightened tensions due to recurring confrontations between the Jaintia (Pnar) and Karbi communities.
