Shillong, July 2: Additional security forces from Meghalaya and Assam are currently deployed near Lapangap in Block-I, West Jaintia Hills district, and the situation has improved in the disputed border region, deputy chief minister in-charge Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong said on Wednesday.
Tense situation prevailed in the region following the recent incident of uprooting of a plantation set up by Assam’s Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) in the area claimed by villagers as within Meghalaya.
Informing that the situation is largely peaceful in the area, Tynsong said a temporary police camp was set up at Lapangap with around 30 police personnel working round the clock to maintain law and order.
Assam too has deployed a similar number of personnel on their side of the border, he said.
Expressing confidence that the situation would improve further, he said the chief minister would take up the issue with his Assam counterpart to resolve the outstanding matters related to inter-state boundary.
Asked about any plan to set up a permanent police camp, Tynsong said the possibility of converting the temporary camp into a permanent one would be examined once the situation becomes conducive for it.
For now, the temporary camp is aimed at addressing the immediate security concerns in the area, he added.
State in talks with Assam
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister and Chairman of the Regional Committee for West Jaintia Hills Sniawbhalang Dhar said the government is actively engaging in speaking with Assam.
“That is why the situation is normal as of now. We are still having a discussion at the level of both chief ministers to resolve this matter,” Dhar told reporters.
He indicated that efforts are being made to address the tensions that have arisen.
When asked if Lapangap falls under a disputed area, Dhar clarified that it was not previously a point of contention.
