In a major breakthrough towards easing the border tension at Lapangap, Meghalaya and Assam have reached a consensus on border demarcation solely for cultivation purpose.
Negotiations on the final border alignment in the disputed region will be taken forward by an appropriate state-level committee.
The consensus – following a recent meeting between Meghalaya and Assam chief ministers in Guwahati – was reached during a high-level meeting at the Assam Police Camp on Tuesday.
Officials said the talks built on “the initiative taken at the highest level by the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, who recently held discussions with the Chief Minister of Assam to find an amicable and peaceful resolution to the issues arising in the areas.”
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar led Meghalaya’s delegation, joined by Principal Secretary Frederick R Kharkongor, JHADC CEM Thombor Shiwat, and civil and police officers from West Jaintia Hills.
The Assam side comprised Dr Tuliram Ronghang, MLA and Chief Executive Member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), MP Amarsing Tisso, Home department officials and KAAC members.
After detailed deliberations, the two sides agreed that “the villagers of Lapangap shall continue paddy cultivation in the foothill areas of the area of difference, while the villagers of Tahpat shall continue plantation of seasonal crops such as banana, pineapple, ginger and other similar crops on the hilltops and slopes.”
The larger boundary question remains open.