By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Assam and Meghalaya on Tuesday agreed to allow residents from both sides of the disputed Lapangap region to continue cultivation in designated areas, while leaving the issue of permanent boundary demarcation to a state-level committee.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting held at the Assam Police Camp in Lapangap, attended by ministers, senior civil and police officials, and representatives of local bodies from both states.
Under the agreement, residents of Lapangap will continue paddy cultivation in the foothill areas, while villagers from Tahpat will be permitted to grow seasonal crops such as banana, pineapple and ginger on the hilltops and slopes of the disputed region.
The meeting followed recent discussions between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma aimed at reducing tensions and resolving issues in the border area through dialogue.
According to a joint statement issued after the meeting, both governments agreed that the matter relating to permanent boundary demarcation in the area of difference would be referred to the appropriate state-level committee for a final decision.
Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and harmony in the region and avoiding activities that could disrupt law and order.
Lapangap has remained a sensitive border area, particularly after a Karbi villager was killed during a clash between residents from the two sides in October last year.
The Meghalaya delegation included Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, Principal Secretary Frederick R Kharkongor, Commissioner and Secretary Cyril V Diengdoh, Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council Chief Executive Member Thombor Shiwat, West Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhinav Singh and Superintendent of Police Jagpal Singh Dhanoa.
The Assam side was represented by Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member and MLA Tuliram Ronghang, MP Amarsing Tisso, Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Tiwari and legislators Surjya Rongphar, Lunsing Teron, Habbey Teron and Niso Terangpi, among others.
Officials said an earlier meeting of village representatives convened by the West Jaintia Hills district administration on May 18 had failed to produce a consensus because of disagreements over the types of plantation activities to be permitted in the area.
The latest agreement is expected to ease tensions in the border region by protecting the livelihood interests of local residents while broader boundary issues remain under discussion.