SHILLONG: Following intense protests and loud demonstrations by the residents of Lapangap village alongside various social organizations in front of the Secretariat, the MDA government has taken immediate action to address the escalating border tensions.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar convened an urgent meeting with village elders and organization leaders to discuss the critical grievances of the people, specifically focusing on the inability of local farmers to tend to their fields due to persistent harassment and infiltration by Karbi groups.
The high-level meeting, which included the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary, and top police officials such as the IG, SP, and the Deputy Commissioner of West Jaintia Hills, involved a detailed deliberation on the demands and the hardships faced by farmers in the border areas.
Following the discussion, West Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhinav Kumar Singh personally addressed the crowds gathered at the Secretariat gates to convey the government’s formal assurances.
The Deputy Commissioner informed the public that, as per the decision made with the Deputy Chief Minister, the government will deploy SF-10 police personnel to established posts in the area starting Thursday to ensure the safety of the farming community.
He further emphasized that the matter would be prioritized at the highest level of governance by both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.
Additionally, the DC and SP committed to conducting personal field inspections to guarantee a secure environment so that agricultural activities can resume and peace can be restored.
Regarding the long-term resolution of the border dispute, the DC announced that the Peace Committee would soon reconvene.
He explained that official talks with the Assam government had been temporarily delayed as Assam recently formed a new government and had yet to appoint a Chairman for their Regional Committee.
However, he expressed optimism that the boundary settlement process would resume shortly, paving the way for lasting peace and allowing farmers to work their land without fear.
The Superintendent of Police also stepped forward to reassure the residents, pledging that the Meghalaya Police are committed to protecting and securing the farmers at all times.
He urged the protesters to return to their villages and resume their cultivation by the following day, noting that the government had already issued the necessary directives to the relevant authorities to implement robust security measures.
He maintained that there was no further need for street demonstrations as the government had formally committed to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of the people of Lapangap.
In light of these concrete assurances from the state authorities, the villagers and social organizations agreed to suspend their agitation.
However, they issued a stern warning that they are only allowing the government a window of time to fulfill its promises; should the police fail to provide adequate protection or if the harassment continues, the residents and organizations will return to the streets for an even more intensive protest.
