SHILLONG: The state capital resonated with chants of protest on May 13 as residents of Lapangap village, situated along the volatile border between Meghalaya and Assam’s Karbi Anglong district, converged to condemn the MDA government’s perceived inaction.
The villagers, supported by several pressure groups, arrived in force to demand immediate intervention regarding alleged persistent harassment by members of the Karbi community, which they claimed has crippled their livelihoods and created a climate of constant fear.
The demonstration began with a gathering at Barik Point, followed by a symbolic march to the Kiang Nangbah monument near Civil Hospital.
Protesters emphasized that for a community almost entirely dependent on agriculture, the alleged ongoing provocations from the Assam side have made it impossible to tend to their fields safely.
They expressed deep frustration, stating that despite repeated pleas, the lack of security has led to severe economic hardship and psychological distress for families living on the frontlines of the boundary dispute.
The situation turned tense as the agitated crowd marched toward the Main Secretariat. An atmosphere of confrontation developed when protesters attempted to push through police cordons, nearly leading to a full-scale clash with security forces.
However, the situation was eventually contained after authorities allowed a delegation of leaders to enter the Secretariat premises for formal discussions with government ministers.
This delegation included representatives from the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Nartiang Circle and West Jaintia Hills District Unit, the Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU), and other local organizations.
During the high-level meeting, the delegation formally presented four critical demands to the state administration.
First and foremost, they called for an immediate cessation of the harassment directed at farmers to ensure they can return to their agricultural activities without fear of assault.
Second, the residents demanded the total removal of the Assam Police Camp currently stationed at Lum Pynthor, asserting that the location falls squarely within the traditional and jurisdictional boundaries of Lapangap.
Furthermore, the protesters raised a technical grievance regarding digital mapping, demanding that the state government intervene to correct GPS boundary lines on Google Maps.
They alleged that these digital markers have been “forcefully drawn” or manipulated by the Assam government to encroach upon Meghalayan territory.
Finally, the village representatives requested the permanent deployment of state security forces to provide 24/7 protection for farmers, insisting that only a visible and robust police presence can ensure long-term peace and stability in the troubled border belt.
