SHILLONG: A crucial meeting convened between the village leaders of Tapat from West Karbi Anglong, Assam, and the residents of Lapangap village, Meghalaya, in the presence of the district administrations of both regions, has resolved to allow the Karbi residents to cultivate on the hills located along the borders of Lapangap village, strictly on the condition that they grow only food crops and not permanent or long-term plantations.
Elaborating on the consensus, the Waheh Shnong (Headman) of Lapangap, Teiwanmi Lyngdoh, stated that although the meeting proceeded smoothly, the Karbi community placed a specific proposal promising not to disrupt or obstruct the Lapangap residents from cultivating their wet-rice paddy fields (hali).
In return, they requested permission to cultivate on the hills located within the area.
Consequently, the Dorbar Shnong of Lapangap accepted this proposal under the strict condition that only food crops meant for consumption are cultivated, explicitly barring the planting of trees or long-term vegetation.
However, despite the peace talks, Teiwanmi Lyngdoh revealed that when the residents of Lapangap went down to their agricultural fields to cultivate today, they were unexpectedly attacked and shot at with slingshots, leaving one person severely injured in the head.
Reacting to the incident, the Deputy Chief Minister confirmed that a meeting was indeed held today and that the discussions had proceeded in an orderly manner.
He, however, stated that he has not yet received detailed information regarding the final resolutions adopted in the meeting, adding that the state government is currently awaiting a comprehensive report on the matter.
Regarding the overarching interstate boundary settlement, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that the Chief Ministers of both Meghalaya and Assam have taken the issue seriously and are actively engaging in talks to resolve the border dispute.
He informed that the bilateral border talks will move forward once the Assam government officially appoints the Chairmen for its respective Regional Committees.
He concluded by noting that the recent unrest in Lapangap stems fundamentally from disputes over agricultural activities, which directly impact the livelihood and sustenance of the local residents.
He assured that once the government receives accurate and verified information, it will aggressively push forward to resolve the border dispute.
