Guwahati, June 25: A tense situation unfolded in Lapangap village on the disputed Assam-Meghalaya border after a mob uprooted saplings and dismantled wooden structures erected to protect the plants. The plantation drive was conducted by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) of Assam, which sparked protests from residents of Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills district, who claimed the area as their own.

The incident occurred when around 400 people from Lapangap and other villages, backed by social organizations from Meghalaya, went to the plantation site and removed the saplings and structures, alleging that Assam was trying to encroach on their land. West Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhinav Kumar Singh stated that the plantation was carried out without prior notice to the district administration, and adequate police forces have been deployed to maintain peace.

A peace meeting scheduled for the day did not take place, but Singh announced that a meeting will be held on Thursday to find an amicable solution. The disputed area, a hill in Lapangap, is claimed by both Assam’s Karbi Anglong district and Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills district. The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has extended support to Lapangap’s residents, alleging encroachment by Karbi Anglong people.

The border dispute between Assam and Meghalaya dates back to 1972, with 12 areas along their 884.9-km-long inter-state border remaining contentious. While an agreement was signed in March 2022 to resolve issues in six areas, differences persist in the remaining six areas. Efforts are ongoing to resolve the dispute through dialogue and meetings between the two states.