A crowd of over 400 people from Lapangap village and adjoining areas, backed up by members of pressure groups, dismantled and burned a wooden structure and uprooted tree saplings as a mark of protest today against plantation activities carried out by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC).
The protestors dubbed this an attempt to illegally encroach on Meghalaya territory, specifically West Jaintia Hills, by the authorities from across the border.
Meghalaya police rushed to the scene to ensure the safety and security of the residents of the affected areas, government spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh said.
“The Meghalaya police have stepped into the picture. We will intervene and ensure the safety and security of the residents of the affected areas. I will also be meeting the Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home (Prestone Tynsong) to get further details and update on this,” Lyngdoh told reporters, though he could not say at that moment whether the area is one of those disputed between Assam and Meghalaya.
Lyngdoh did say, however, that Meghalaya will lodge a protest with Assam. The two states have been involved in a long-drawn out process to resolve their disputed border. While six areas of difference have already been tackled, another six remain.
Regarding these ongoing efforts, Lyngdoh said, “As many as five villages have now been covered under what we called ‘resolved areas’ or areas where differences have been resolved and the formal announcement will be made on Independence Day. So, before we reach August 15, we will maximise attempts to resolve this particular sector as well.”
