Jowai, May 18: Tension flared at the disputed Lapangap area today as Assam police allegedly blocked farmers from both the Pnar and Karbi sides from accessing their farmlands.
This unrest reportedly began when residents of Lapangap sought to resume their seasonal farming, only to be obstructed by groups from the neighbouring Karbi Anglong district of Assam.
The Hynñiewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF) West Jaiñtia Zone claimed that they had gone to Lapangap “with a thought to assist the farmers at Lapangap,” but were stopped. The pressure group claimed that on reaching the farmlands, they found “numerous Assam police” barring both sides from entering.
In response to the escalating situation, Meghalaya police deployed additional personnel, including SF-10 commandos, to maintain order.
This comes days after the West Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police held talks with his Assam counterpart to let farmers cultivate.
Superintendent of Police Jagpal Singh Dhanoa said that while discussions about the interstate boundary are ongoing, the traditional farming rights of the Lapangap villagers are unequivocally recognised.
He stated that local farmers had gone to begin cultivation when they were allegedly stopped by certain individuals from across the Assam side. Dhanoa further said that although the Assam Police had initially assured cooperation and coordination, some groups later emerged in the area and allegedly attempted to create tension.
Meanwhile, the HNYF accused the Meghalaya government of failing to protect its people on the ground.
HNYF West Jaiñtia Zone vice president C. R. Ryngki stated that the government made false promises to residents of Lapangap by not deploying adequate police personnel.
