A road project from Noapara village to Balwa Wari waterfall in West Khasi Hills close to the disputed Langpih, was stalled yesterday after stiff opposition by locals from the Meghalaya side.
Construction of the road was undertaken by authorities from Assam under MGNREGS. The project had begun in 2021 but was opposed by Meghalaya locals even then.
Yesterday, however, the situation threatened to get out of control with a crowd of around 80 agitating against the roadworks but was brought to a peaceful resolution by officials of both states, who agreed to let the public hold a meeting to decide on the fate of the project.
Earlier, Meghalaya Police from Langpih and Aradonga rushed to the spot only to find the road-cutting work under way at Noapara. This, however, was stopped with the intervention of Boko Circle Officer Dibas Bordoloi.
Protesters from Meghalaya and Assam were initially not willing to come to terms, even with the assurance of police. However, the arrival of senior officials from both the states and a subsequent meeting calmed the situation down.
The disputed Langpih, part of the negotiations between Assam and Meghalaya to resolve their border dispute, is only 12km from Noapara.
