Residents of Lapangap village in Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills district on Wednesday marched peacefully to the Meghalaya Secretariat in Shillong and submitted a memorandum to the state government seeking urgent intervention over the continuing tensions and uncertainty along the Meghalaya-Assam border.
The delegation, comprising villagers, women, elders, farmers and representatives of local organisations, appealed to the government to safeguard the rights, security and livelihood of residents living in the border areas. The memorandum highlighted growing concerns among local communities over restrictions and disruptions affecting access to agricultural land, which remains the primary source of livelihood for many families in the region.
According to the villagers, the prevailing situation along the border has severely impacted farming activities, with several farmers reportedly facing difficulties in cultivating their land due to fears of confrontation and insecurity. They warned that prolonged uncertainty could have serious economic consequences for the community and affect agricultural production in the area.
During the protest march, demonstrators raised slogans demanding stronger action and accountability from the state government. Some protesters also called for the resignation of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Deputy Chief Ministers Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar, alleging that the government had failed to adequately address the concerns of border residents.
In their memorandum, the villagers urged the government to ensure uninterrupted access to agricultural land, strengthen security arrangements in vulnerable areas and initiate sustained dialogue to prevent further escalation of tensions along the interstate boundary.
The protest once again brought attention to the long-standing and sensitive border dispute between Meghalaya and Assam, which has periodically triggered tensions in several disputed areas despite ongoing efforts by both state governments to resolve the issue through negotiations. For communities residing along the border, the dispute continues to directly affect everyday life, particularly farming, mobility and local trade.
Responding to the concerns raised by the villagers, the Meghalaya government reportedly assured that adequate security measures would be put in place to maintain law and order and enable farmers to resume normal agricultural activities without fear or disruption.
