Shillong: Meghalaya and Assam reached an interim agreement on Tuesday to allow farmers to resume work in the disputed Lapangap sector. This decision follows weeks of uncertainty that prevented residents from accessing their traditional farmlands.
Under the new arrangement, Pnar cultivators will return to paddy farming in the foothill regions. Meanwhile, residents from Tapat in Karbi Anglong will continue growing crops like pineapple, banana, and ginger on the upland portions of the tract. Officials stated this approach preserves the status quo until a state-level mechanism settles the final boundary alignment.
The breakthrough followed high-level consultations between Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. A joint delegation, including Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council leader Tuliram Ronghang, finalized the deal to ensure agricultural activities proceed without further disruption.
The Hynniewtrep Border Dispute Redressal Forum had previously pressured the government to address the plight of villagers who were denied access to their fields since May. While the resumption of farming is a step forward, the forum has called on the state government to provide police security for the farmers, citing past reports of intimidation and stone-pelting in the area.
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