Assam, Meghalaya teams meet over border stress, agree on joint cultivation, peace

Shillong: A high‑level meeting of political representatives, senior civil and police officials, and local body members from Meghalaya and Assam held at the Assam Police Camp on Tuesday reached a consensus to continue cultivation and maintain peace in the Lapangap area of difference along the inter‑state boundary.The meeting was convened as part of the ongoing initiative by Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma, who recently met his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma in Dispur to pursue an amicable and peaceful resolution to issues arising in the border areas. The discussions emphasised consensus‑building at the grassroots level.Representing Assam were Tuliram Ronghang, MLA and chief executive member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC); Amarsing Tisso, MP; Ajay Kumar Tiwari, additional chief secretary (home & political); Surjya Rongphar, MLA and executive member (KAAC); Lunsing Teron, MLA and executive member (KAAC); Habbey Teron, MLA; Niso Terangpi, MLA; Avijit Kro, deputy speaker (KAAC); Headsing Rongphar, member (KAAC); Preeti Kumari, deputy commissioner; and Dinesh Kumar, superintendent of police, West Karbi Anglong.Representing Meghalaya were deputy CM Sniawbhalang Dhar, principal secretary Frederick R Kharkongor, commissioner & secretary Cyril V Diengdoh, Thombor Shiwat, chief executive member of the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council, Abhinav Singh, deputy commissioner, and Jagpal Singh Dhanoa, superintendent of police, West Jaintia Hills district.“It was agreed that villagers of Lapangap shall continue paddy cultivation in the foothills of the area of difference, while villagers of Tahpat shall continue plantation of seasonal crops such as banana, pineapple, ginger, and other produce on the hilltops and slopes,” said the West Jaintia Hills DC.He added that the issue of permanent boundary demarcation in the area of difference would be considered by the appropriate committee at the state level.Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace, harmony, and tranquillity, and agreed to refrain from any activity that could disturb law and order in the region.