From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, Aug 18: Tension flared along the Assam-Meghalaya border in Maikhuli village, Ri-Bhoi, after locals dismantled electric poles allegedly erected illegally by the Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB) within Meghalaya’s territory.
The incident quickly escalated into a confrontation between villagers from both states, leading to physical altercations, including assaults involving women from either side.
According to local accounts, villagers of Maikhuli on Monday morning pulled down the electric poles installed by ASEB in an area that falls within Meghalaya’s jurisdiction.
After the removal, residents returned to their homes, but a group of people from Assam later arrived at the spot, questioning and provoking the locals.
In response, villagers of Maikhuli rushed back to the location, triggering heated arguments that soon turned into physical clashes. During the scuffle, few women from Maikhuli were reportedly manhandled, with their clothes torn in the melee.
Officials from both Meghalaya and Assam rushed to the spot soon after receiving reports of the clash. Their swift intervention helped diffuse the situation, preventing further escalation into violence.
Authorities from the two districts have since decided to set up a joint peace committee to ease tensions, restore calm, and foster harmony among border residents of the neighbouring states.
