Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Guwahati: The governments of Assam and Meghalaya have reached a temporary agreement to allow residents to continue farming activities in the disputed Lapangap border region. During a high-level meeting at the Assam Police Camp on June 2, officials decided that villagers in Lapangap may maintain paddy cultivation in the foothills. Meanwhile, residents of Tahpat are permitted to grow seasonal crops, including bananas, pineapples, and ginger, on nearby hilltops and slopes.
This arrangement follows recent talks between Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Both state administrations agreed to refer the matter of permanent boundary demarcation to a state-level committee for a final resolution. The move aims to stabilize the area, which has seen heightened tensions, including a fatal clash last October.
A delegation led by senior political, administrative, and police officials from both states attended the discussions. They emphasized a commitment to maintaining peace and avoiding any actions that could disrupt local order. This agreement addresses the impasse from a May 18 meeting where local representatives could not reach a consensus on land use. By prioritizing the immediate livelihood of local communities, the two states hope to ease long-standing border frictions while negotiations continue.
Comments