SHILLONG: What was meant to be a season of reward for Lapangap’s 388 households turned into weeks of fear, loss, and uncertainty. Over a month ago, as farmers prepared to reap their long-awaited harvest, a sudden clash along the Meghalaya–Assam border brought the village to a standstill.
A Calm Morning, a Violent Turn
On October 9, the day began like any other. Farmers were in their fields, the harvest progressing smoothly. But the quiet did not last. A scuffle broke out between the Khasi-Pnar residents of Lapangap and the Karbis of neighbouring Tahpat village in Karbi Anglong, quickly escalating into violence that left one man dead and several injured.
The deceased, 45-year-old Orivel Timung of Tahpat, became the tragic centre of a dispute that would halt Lapangap’s harvest for days.
Tense Negotiations, Conditional Harvest
What followed were days of tense negotiations between officials of both states. For Lapangap farmers, the stakes were high: every passing day increased the risk of losing the entire crop.
After several rounds of talks, the two governments finally permitted the villagers to harvest — but only under strict supervision and heavy security deployment.
Post-Harvest Work Faces New Roadblocks
Today, the harvest is complete, and villagers have begun the post-harvest task of repairing paddy field dams. But fresh restrictions have emerged.
According to Deimonmi Lyngdoh, Waheh Chnong of Lapangap, farmers have been barred from working in fields located closest to Tahpat. “We are still waiting for instructions from the authorities,” he said.
Lyngdoh admitted that the delayed harvest resulted in lower yields compared to previous years but expressed relief that the crops could be salvaged at all.
FIR Filed After Harvest
Even as farmers resumed work, tensions resurfaced with the filing of a fresh FIR linking the Lapangap leadership directly to Timung’s death. The complaint names Deimonmi Lyngdoh and Samkhih Situng, the Assistant Waheh Chnong.
“We were informed about the FIR, but we have not received a copy or any summons,” Lyngdoh said.
West Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Jagpal Singh Dhanoa confirmed the FIR but declined to comment on details. He noted that district police had already filed a separate FIR against unknown persons on the day of the incident.
To maintain order, Dhanoa said a permanent police camp has now been set up at Lapangap.
Facing challenges in the post-harvest stage, he added, “We are constantly in touch with Assam Police and the district administration, and they are cooperating.”
Administration Says Situation Stable
West Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhinav Kumar Singh maintained that the situation is stable, with a border magistrate monitoring developments.
On the reduced crop yield, he acknowledged that the delay took a toll. “It’s clear the harvest is lower than in previous years, though we can’t quantify it yet,” he said. “At the time, our priority was de-escalation. Harvesting was allowed only after both sides reached an understanding.”
Lingering Tension, Uncertain Paths
While the harvest has been secured, the border remains tense. With an FIR now naming village leaders and demands for justice rising from Tahpat, Lapangap’s residents find themselves caught between relief and renewed anxiety — hoping for clarity, stability, and a peaceful end to a turbulent season.
