Border tensions: Karbi-Pnar conflict continues, tear gas fired by Assam Police

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 28, 2023

The ongoing clash between the Karbi and Pnar communities along the Assam-Meghalaya border in Lapangap village, West Jaintia Hills District, shows no signs of abating. The conflict reignited when Pnar farmers while tending to their paddy fields, were attacked with catapults, bows and arrows by Karbi people.

The incident started on Tuesday and unfortunately repeated itself on Wednesday afternoon, extending over a span of one and a half hours.

On Wednesday, women of the Pnar community, both young and old, joined forces with the men to confront the Karbi aggressors. Tragically, in the ensuing turmoil, three residents of Lapangap village sustained injuries and it was reported that some Karbi men also suffered injuries.

Much like the events of Tuesday, the police forces from Meghalaya and Assam remained passive bystanders.

However, around 2 PM on Wednesday, Assam police resorted to firing tear gas, discharging five rounds in an attempt to disperse the crowd. Two sheds in the paddy fields were set ablaze by Karbi people.