Meghalaya seeks to restart Assam border talks as Lapangap tensions resurface
By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Tensions have resurfaced in Lapangap, with the Meghalaya government hoping the new Assam Cabinet will help restart talks on the long-standing border dispute.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar stated on Wednesday that Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma will soon raise the issue with the Assam leadership in an effort to restart discussions that have remained on hold for a considerable period.
The development comes after Dhar met residents of Lapangap, who complained that people from Karbi communities were interfering with farming work during the ongoing planting season.
The villagers urged the administration to step in so they could carry out agricultural activities without disturbance.
Dhar informed the delegation that security arrangements will be strengthened in the area from Thursday onwards. He further added that the Deputy Commissioners of the respective districts will hold discussions to help ease tensions on the ground.
He reiterated that the government’s priority is to ensure the safety of residents and maintain peace in the region.
Although talks on the remaining six disputed sectors have not moved forward for several years, occasional clashes continue along the border.
Dhar said that the next phase of dialogue will depend on the new Assam Cabinet setting up its regional panels to reassess the contested areas.