Guwahati, June 2: A high-level meeting, involving political representatives, senior civil and police officials and representatives of the concerned local bodies from the Meghalaya and Assam governments was held on the inter-state border on Tuesday to deliberate on issues relating to the Lapangap area of difference.
The meeting was convened in continuation with the initiative taken by the Meghalaya chief minister, who recently held discussions with the Assam chief minister to find an amicable and peaceful resolution to the issues arising in the areas.
The meeting brought together political leaders, senior officials and local representatives to facilitate consensus-building on the ground.
Representing Assam were Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) chief executive member Tuliram Ronghang; MP Amarsing Tisso; additional chief secretary (home and political) Ajay Kumar Tiwari; MLA and executive member, KAAC, Surjya Rongphar; MLA and EC, KAAC, Lunsing Teron; MLAs Habbey Teron and Niso Terangpi; Deputy Speaker, KAAC Avijit Kro; Headsing Rongphar, Member of Autonomous Council, KAAC; West Karbi Anglong DC, Preeti Kumari and West Karbi Anglong SP, Dinesh Kumar.
Representing Meghalaya were deputy chief minister Sniawbhalang Dhar; principal secretary Frederick R. Kharkongor; commissioner and secretary Cyril V. Diengdoh; secretary Garod L.S.N. Dykes; chief executive member, Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) Thombor Shiwat; West Jaintia Hills DC, Abhinav Singh and West Jaintia Hills SP, Jagpal Singh Dhanoa.
Following detailed deliberations, it was agreed that the villagers of Lapangap would 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.
It was further decided that the matter relating to permanent boundary demarcation in the area of difference shall be considered and decided by the appropriate committee at the state level.
Besides, it was agreed that both sides shall maintain peace, harmony and tranquillity and shall refrain from any activity that might trigger disturbance or affect the prevailing law and order situation.
It may be recalled that an earlier meeting of village representatives held on May 18, 2026, facilitated by the DC and SP, West Jaintia Hills District, remained inconclusive owing to differing views regarding the nature of plantation activities to be permitted in the area.
“Today, I visited Tahpat on the Assam–Meghalaya border and participated in an important meeting aimed at strengthening peace, harmony, and mutual understanding among the border communities,” KAAC CEM Ronghang stated on his X handle.
“I am pleased to share that the villagers of both Lapangap and Tahpat unanimously resolved that the disputed areas, including both the plains and hills situated along the natural boundary notified in 1951 by the Governor of Assam, known as the Umsati River, may continue to be utilised for livelihood activities and cultivation that are purely seasonal in nature.” Ronghang said.
“The meeting concluded on a very positive note. The deputy chief minister of Meghalaya also expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the discussions. Most importantly, the villagers from both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and harmony in the border area. They further resolved that any misunderstanding or confusion arising in the future would be settled through dialogue and mutual consultation, without resorting to any form of violence,” he said.
