Meghalaya Forum Opposes Assam’s Plan for Police Outpost in Disputed Border Area

Shillong: The Hynniewtrep Border Dispute Redressal Forum (HBDRF) has strongly condemned Assam’s proposal to establish a police outpost at Labangap in the contested Block One area, warning that the move would escalate tensions along the Assam-Meghalaya border.

Citing a history of clashes, including interruptions to harvesting, restrictions on farmers’ access to their fields, and previous stone-pelting incidents involving police, the Forum insisted that any permanent police presence would further inflame the situation.

HBDRF leader Thomas Passah called on the Meghalaya government to publicly clarify its stance, stating, “We demand a clear position from the government. Our position is unambiguous: this outpost must not be permitted.”

The Forum held an emergency meeting on Saturday to assess the lack of progress on issues raised during its July 25, 2025, meeting with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and senior officials concerning Blocks 1 and 2.

Passah reiterated the three longstanding demands previously submitted to the government:

1. Residents of the disputed blocks must be allowed to obtain essential documents — including birth certificates, Aadhaar cards, and PAN cards — from authorities of either Assam or Meghalaya without administrative obstacles. The Chief Minister had reportedly promised to take up the matter with Assam.

2. Development works in the border areas should proceed smoothly, with both states sharing responsibility (for instance, Meghalaya executing five projects and Assam five others) to prevent overlap and confrontation.

3. Villages in the disputed zones should receive formal recognition, and village court heads should be appointed through the issuance of Sanads by the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council to ensure effective local governance.

Despite multiple follow-up letters and reminders, the Forum claims it has received no response from the state government. Passah accused the administration of treating the matter casually and warned that the continued silence is aggravating hardships faced by border residents.

“The Forum deserves to know what progress, if any, has been made,” he said.

In light of the government’s inaction, the HBDRF has decided to seek a fresh meeting with the Chief Minister. Should tangible steps remain forthcoming, the Forum announced it will mobilise residents and stakeholders in Block One to intensify pressure for the immediate implementation of its demands.

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