SHILLONG, May 27: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday said the state government is maintaining close coordination with the Assam government to resolve tensions in the Lapangap border area and work towards a peaceful and mutually acceptable solution to the long-pending inter-state dispute.
 |
| Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. (File Photo) |
Speaking on the ongoing situation, Sangma said he has remained in constant touch with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and discussions are underway for a face-to-face meeting between the two leaders. According to him, the meeting could take place before May 30 if schedules permit, otherwise it may be held within the next week or ten days.
The chief minister stated that both governments are making sustained efforts to prevent escalation and restore normalcy in the area while discussions continue at multiple levels involving district administrations, local representatives, security agencies, and the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council.
“I have personally spoken more than 15 to 20 times with the West Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police, district administration, Karbi Anglong leadership, local MLA and the Assam Chief Minister,” Sangma said, adding that the government has been actively monitoring the situation even during his recent visit to Garo Hills.
Sangma emphasized that the issue is complex and involves several stakeholders, but expressed confidence that constructive dialogue and cooperation between both states would help achieve a solution.
The Lapangap area in West Jaintia Hills has remained sensitive due to recurring disputes related to cultivation rights and territorial claims along the Meghalaya-Assam border. Recent tensions reportedly emerged over paddy cultivation in portions of disputed land, leading to concerns among local residents.
Explaining the issue, Sangma said that around 85 percent of the cultivated paddy field area remains free from conflict, while the dispute concerns approximately 15 percent of the land where Meghalaya farmers have reportedly been cultivating crops for decades.
He noted that certain developments from the Karbi Anglong and Assam side had created unease among local communities, making it necessary for both governments to engage carefully and responsibly.
“We are trying to find a win-win situation where both sides can accept the outcome,” the chief minister said.
Sangma also appealed to the people of Lapangap and neighbouring villages to cooperate with the administration and allow time for dialogue to continue. He assured that protecting the interests and rights of Meghalaya residents remains a top priority for the government.
The chief minister further highlighted that despite occasional tensions, residents of Lapangap and nearby villages in Assam continue to maintain close social ties and regular interaction, which he said provides hope for a peaceful resolution.
The Meghalaya and Assam governments have in recent years taken several steps to resolve long-standing border disputes through regional committees and bilateral talks. However, certain areas, including Lapangap, continue to witness periodic disagreements over land use, cultivation, and administrative jurisdiction.
