Shillong, May 20:The Meghalaya government is waiting on a formal go-ahead from the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) regarding a farming agreement for the disputed village of Lapangap where tensions have risen over paddy fields and tree plantation.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who holds the Home portfolio, said today that Meghalaya officials visited the area as part of efforts to restore peace, adding that farmers had been cultivating the land since time immemorial.
He said Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had earlier held discussions with the Assam government and KAAC members over the issue.
As per the understanding reached, both sides had agreed to allow seasonal paddy cultivation in the disputed area. However, Meghalaya objected to tree or permanent plantations on the basis that they could lead to future claims over territorial ownership.
Tynsong argued that dialogue between villagers of both states would be preferable to intervention by police. However, Meghalaya security personnel will continue to remain in the area until peace is restored.
