Urgent Call for Peace Along Meghalaya-Assam Border

Request for Union Home Minister's Intervention

Shillong, Oct 21: An NGO has urgently appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to take action to restore harmony among the communities affected by ongoing tensions along the Meghalaya-Assam border.

The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) submitted a memorandum emphasizing the need for immediate intervention to not only restore peace but also to ensure justice and long-term solutions for the impacted communities in the border region.

According to the organization, the territorial disputes between Assam and Meghalaya have persisted since Meghalaya's formation in 1971.

HITO president Donbok Dkhar noted that these disputes have led to numerous violent confrontations over the years, resulting in tragic loss of life and significant economic hardship for residents on both sides.

Dkhar pointed out that discussions aimed at resolving these long-standing issues have not produced any meaningful results thus far.

He accused the Assam government of making repeated incursions into Meghalaya's territory, stating, “The aggressive approach taken by Assam shows a blatant disregard for treaties, agreements, and historical commitments.”

He also recalled the violent incidents in Langpih in 2009 and Mukroh in 2022, which resulted in the loss of many innocent lives.

Recently, HITO reported that renewed violence in Lapangap led to the death of one individual in Assam.

Dkhar further alleged that armed Karbi militant groups are threatening and harassing local residents, calling such actions unlawful and a violation of constitutional principles. He urged that these matters must be thoroughly investigated, and those responsible should face accountability.