Women from Maikhuli manhandled during clash over border
Shillong, Aug 18:Tension gripped Maikhuli village in Ri-Bhoi district along Meghalaya-Assam border after local residents dismantled electricity poles “illegally” erected by the Assam Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (APDCL).
The incident that took place on Monday also led to physical clash among villagers from both sides.
Villagers from Meghalaya uprooted the electricity pole installed by APDCL near Maikhuli pond, claiming the area belonged to Meghalaya.
Subsequently, residents from Assam stormed the site and had heated arguments followed by physical clashes.
During the confrontation, some women from Maikhuli were manhandled, and their clothes were torn.
District authorities of Ri-Bhoi and Kamrup (Metro) deployed forces and brought the situation under control by dispersing the crowds.
The authorities also formed a peace committee to restore harmony and foster goodwill among the border residents.
This development comes amid ongoing efforts to resolve the border dispute between the two states.
In fact, Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma and met his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati on Saturday and reportedly discussed measures for strengthen relations between the two states.
