SHILLONG: Allegations of coercive census enrollment by Assam Police in the contested West Khasi Hills border area have prompted the Meghalaya government to seek administrative talks with Assam and consider expanding security outposts in the region.
The move comes after a delegation of border residents met Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Prestone Tynsong, detailing intimidation and harassment aimed at forcing villagers onto Assam’s census rolls.
Tynsong confirmed that Meghalaya’s Chief Secretary has been directed to initiate dialogue with Assam counterparts, emphasizing that official-level talks remain the preferred channel for resolving inter-state border disputes.
ALSO READ: Border Friction: Meghalaya Grounds Resolution in Data, Not Speculation
However, he noted that intervention from higher political leadership is possible if necessary.
Responding to villagers’ heightened security concerns, the state is evaluating requests for a temporary police camp to deter further incursions.
While two Border Outposts (BOPs) currently operate in the area—including one at Noapara—Tynsong has tasked the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to urgently assess whether additional security infrastructure is needed to protect local residents.
(4FrontMedia news)
