Raphael Warjri

Tensions erupted in Lapangap village on Tuesday after members of the Karbi community reportedly carried out unauthorized tree plantations in an area that falls under the jurisdiction of Meghalaya.

Local residents, along with authorities from Lapangap, responded by uprooting the saplings and dismantling plant beds established by the Karbis. Temporary huts constructed at the site were also demolished by the villagers.

Sources revealed that personnel from the Assam Police later arrived at the location and allegedly used tear gas to disperse the crowd gathered from Lapangap, leading to further unrest. The situation drew swift reaction from several pressure groups, with representatives from the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU), Hynniewtrep Awakening National Movement (HANM), and the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) rushing to the site in response.

Meghalaya Police subsequently reached the area to assess the situation and ensure law and order.

Villagers from Lapangap have maintained that the disputed area lies within their traditional boundary and holds deep cultural, religious, and agricultural significance, having been used for farming and livestock rearing for generations.

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Meanwhile, Cabinet Minister and spokesperson for the MDA 2.0 government, Paul Lyngdoh, stated that he was yet to receive complete information regarding the incident. He added that he would consult the concerned authorities to verify whether Lapangap village is listed among the areas of difference in the Meghalaya-Assam boundary dispute and that the matter would be taken up at the Home Minister's level for appropriate action.