Nongpoh, Sep 19: Tension flared at Maikhuli along the disputed Assam-Meghalaya border in Ri-Bhoi on Saturday morning after a group allegedly from Assam fenced off and locked a village road leading to the local playground.
The incident occurred around 10:30 am. Locals alleged the group used a JCB to damage a school boundary wall and barbed-wire fencing before blocking two public pathways.
Women from Maikhuli who spotted the encroachment rushed to the spot, leading to heated arguments and a scuffle.
In a show of defiance, villagers and womenfolk later gathered in large numbers and tore down the fencing and locks.
Police and magistrates of Kharnapara and Pillangkata rushed to the border village to bring the situation under control.
Members of the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People, Raid Marwet led by President Denis Nongrum also reached the village.
The pressure group has urged the state government to urgently demarcate the boundary at Maikhuli and beef up police presence to prevent further encroachment attempts.
