Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday called for calm following a violent clash along the Assam–Meghalaya border that claimed the life of a local resident on October 9.
During his visit to Manipur, Sangma described the incident in Lapangap village, West Jaiñtia Hills, as a “tragic public-to-public altercation.” He stressed that police personnel from both states were present only to control crowds and prevent further confrontation. “There was no police involvement in the clash and no lethal action by any enforcement agency,” he said.
Clash during paddy harvest
Police reports indicated that residents of Lapangap were harvesting paddy under supervision when a group from Assam’s Karbi area attempted to intervene, triggering the violence. The clash resulted in the death of 45-year-old Orivel Timung from Assam’s Tahpat village. To preserve law and order, a night curfew was enforced along the impacted border.
Conrad K. Sangma acknowledged the unfortunate timing of the incident, especially as both the governments continue their efforts to find a lasting solution. He highlighted that six of the 12 disputed areas between Assam and Meghalaya have already been resolved through public consultation. “We didn’t make decisions behind closed doors. We went to the people, held public hearings, and asked them where they felt they belonged. Their voice guided us,” he said.
The chief minister reiterated his joint commitment with Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma to resolve the remaining six disputed areas, including Block-II where the Lapangap–Tahpat stretch falls, under the Centre’s guidance. “We remain committed to resolving these areas through dialogue, trust, and cooperation,” Sangma added.
The tragedy highlights the delicacy of border conflicts and the necessity of ongoing interaction with local communities to promote peace and avoid more atrocities.
