HBDRF seek Meghalaya CM’s intervention over border disputes with Assam in WJH

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 27, 2025

The Hynñiewtrep Border Disputes Redressal Forum (HBDRF) on Friday sought the intervention of the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma into the recent incident arising out of the ongoing border dispute between Meghalaya and Assam in Lapangap village of West Jaintia Hills District.

According to the memorandum submitted by the Forum, the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council planted trees in the village of Lapangap, Block-1, without consulting the village head on June 10, 2025. A complaint was lodged with the office of the Deputy Commissioner, West Jaintia Hills District.

A meeting was held on June 19, 2025, between the DC/SP of West Karbi Anglong and West Jaintia Hills District at IB Khanduli, where it was resolved to maintain peace and halt the tree planting program. However, the Assam side allegedly violated the agreement and continued with the tree planting program without consulting the village heads.

On June 25, 2025, a meeting was held with residents of Lapangap village, NGOs, and district authorities from both sides.

The residents and NGOs uprooted the trees planted by Assam without permission. An exchange of words between the Karbi and Pnar communities led to the use of aggressive language, catapults, and stones. The Assam Police fired tear gas, resulting in reports of injuries among the Pnar people.

The Karbi community allegedly destroyed and burned paddy fields of the Pnar people on the same day.

On June 26, 2025, the Assam police arrived in larger numbers, surrounded the area, and attempted to construct a camp.

The HBDRF has requested the Meghalaya government to deploy police personnel/SF in large numbers at the location for safety and to stop Assam Police from constructing camps in the area.

It also urged both the chief ministers of Assam and Meghalaya to visit the area to ensure safety and maintain peace

The forum expressed fear that if Assam Police are allowed to construct camps, it would put the lives of their people in danger and be difficult to remove them in the future.