Editor
Man Killed in Assam-Meghalaya Border Clash Over Disputed Farmland
West Karbi Anglong, October 10: A man was killed on Thursday in a violent clash between villagers along the Assam-Meghalaya border, just three days after both states’ Inter-State Border Peace Committee had decided to suspend all agricultural activities in the disputed zone.
The deceased has been identified as Orivel Timung (45), a resident of Tapat village under Donka subdivision in West Karbi Anglong district. According to police reports, the incident broke out when a group from Lapangap village in Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills allegedly began harvesting paddy on the disputed land, leading to a confrontation with villagers from the Assam side.
The situation soon escalated, resulting in injuries on both sides. Security forces had to resort to tear gas shelling to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control.
Dispute Escalates Despite Peace Agreement
The border stretch, claimed by both states, has been witnessing frequent tensions and clashes over agricultural activities. On October 6, the Inter-State Peace Committee had formally resolved to halt all farming operations in the area until a permanent solution could be achieved.
In July, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar had visited the tension-hit region after reports of arson and assured that the matter would be taken up with the Assam government for an amicable settlement.
Assam Minister Holds Review Meeting
Following Thursday’s incident, Assam Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora chaired a departmental review meeting on the Annual Action Plan for FY 2025–26. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Joint Secretary Madhumita Nath and Director Subhalaxmi Deka, to discuss strategies aimed at restoring peace and ensuring safety along the interstate border.
After the meeting, Bora stated on social media: “Lasting peace and stability along inter-state border areas will greatly benefit people on both sides and pave the way for accelerated development.”
Disputed Area Under KAAC Administration
The disputed zone, known as Block I in Meghalaya’s records, falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) in Assam. It is one of six contentious areas slated to be taken up in the second phase of border talks between the two states.