Shillong, May 13: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Wednesday announced that the state government will send additional security personnel to Lapangap village along the interstate border with Assam to ensure uninterrupted farming activities. The assurance followed a protest march by hundreds of villagers to the state secretariat, demanding protection against alleged harassment and crop destruction by groups from Assam’s Karbi Anglong district.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the delegation, Dhar said the government would do everything possible to protect residents and maintain peace. He clarified that the discussion was focused on livelihood concerns rather than the broader interstate boundary dispute. “They came seeking intervention because some Karbi groups were troubling them, and we have assured them that additional security forces will be deployed from tomorrow to ensure that cultivation activities continue without any disturbance,” he stated.

The protest was led by the Dorbar Shnong of Lapangap village and supported by several pressure groups. Dhar noted that incidents of disturbance had surfaced recently as farmers began cultivation. He added that deputy commissioners from both states had already initiated talks, though further discussions were needed. Meghalaya is also awaiting Assam’s appointment of a new chairman for the regional committee.