Guwahati, June 3: Assam and Meghalaya have agreed to allow local residents to continue farming in designated parts of the disputed Lapangap area. This decision was made during a high-level meeting held at an Assam police camp in Lapangap on Tuesday. The issue of permanent demarcation will be referred to a state-level committee for further discussion.
Under this arrangement, residents of Lapangap village will continue to cultivate rice in the low-lying areas. Meanwhile, the inhabitants of Tahpat will be permitted to grow seasonal crops such as bananas, pineapples, and ginger on the hills and slopes of the disputed region.
A joint statement released after the meeting confirmed that both governments agreed to consider any final decisions regarding the demarcation of the disputed area through the relevant state-level committee. Both parties reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and harmony in the sensitive border region and avoiding any activities that could disrupt law and order.
This development follows recent discussions between Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma aimed at resolving long-standing border disputes through dialogue and mutual understanding.
The Meghalaya delegation included Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Principal Secretary Frederick R. Kharkongor, Commissioner and Secretary Cyril V. Diengdoh, Chief Executive Member of the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council Thombor Shylla, Deputy Commissioner of West Jaintia Hills Abhinav Singh, and Superintendent of Police Jagpal Singh Dhanoa.
Officials noted that a previous meeting of village representatives called by the West Jaintia Hills district administration on May 18 failed to reach a consensus due to differing views on plantation activities in the disputed area.
This latest agreement is seen as a significant step towards reducing tensions in Lapangap while also protecting the livelihood interests of those living along the interstate border.
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