Fatal Clash on Assam-Meghalaya Border Leaves One Dead

A violent clash over a disputed farming area along the Assam-Meghalaya border in West Karbi Anglong district claimed the life of Orivel Timung on Thursday, with several others injured, though the exact number remains unconfirmed.

The conflict erupted in the afternoon when residents of Lapangap village in Meghalaya and Tapat village in Assam clashed over ownership of a paddy harvesting area. What began as a verbal dispute escalated into physical confrontations, with reports indicating the use of sharp weapons. Authorities responded by deploying additional security forces, who fired blank shots and tear gas to disperse the crowd and restore order.

The incident, occurring just three days after an interstate border peace committee meeting that resolved to halt farming and development activities until peace was restored, has heightened tensions in the region. Police and district officials are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further unrest.

Tuliram Ronghang, chief executive member of Assam’s Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, condemned the violence and announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the family of the deceased. Meghalaya’s Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong clarified that an agreement between the police forces of both states had initially allowed residents to harvest paddy peacefully. However, a group from Tapat village in Assam triggered the altercation, leading to the fatal outcome.

To curb further escalation, both states imposed a night curfew in the area. Tynsong expressed confidence in stabilising the situation and refuted claims of inadequate police presence, stating that their intervention prevented further bloodshed. He noted that the authorities were caught off guard as the situation had initially appeared calm.

Tynsong urged residents to remain calm, respect law and order, and allow police to maintain control. He also directed Sniawbhalang Dhar, Deputy Chief Minister and chairman of the West Jaintia Hills regional committee on border issues, to coordinate with Assam counterparts for a joint visit to urge residents to maintain the status quo.

The incident underscores ongoing challenges in resolving border disputes, with the second phase of Assam-Meghalaya border talks stalled. Tynsong noted that Assam’s preoccupation with the upcoming Assembly elections has delayed joint inspections. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma reportedly discussed the incident over a phone call.

The Meghalaya government has filed an FIR in connection with the clash, which marks yet another violent episode in the region’s contentious border history.