Foothills for Lapangap villagers ** Hilltops & slopes for Tahpat villagers
Shillong, June 2: In a major breakthrough towards easing the border tension at Lapangap, Meghalaya and Assam have reached a consensus on border demarcation solely for cultivation purpose.
Negotiations on the final border alignment in the disputed region will be taken forward by an appropriate state-level committee.
The consensus – following a recent meeting between Meghalaya and Assam chief ministers in Guwahati – was reached during a high-level meeting at the Assam Police Camp on Tuesday.
Officials said the talks built on “the initiative taken at the highest level by the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, who recently held discussions with the Chief Minister of Assam to find an amicable and peaceful resolution to the issues arising in the areas.”
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar led Meghalaya’s delegation, joined by Principal Secretary Frederick R Kharkongor, JHADC CEM Thombor Shiwat, and civil and police officers from West Jaintia Hills.
The Assam side comprised Dr Tuliram Ronghang, MLA and Chief Executive Member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), MP Amarsing Tisso, Home department officials and KAAC members.
After detailed deliberations, the two sides agreed that “the villagers of Lapangap shall continue paddy cultivation in the foothill areas of the area of difference, while the villagers of Tahpat shall continue plantation of seasonal crops such as banana, pineapple, ginger and other similar crops on the hilltops and slopes.”
The larger boundary question remains open.
The meeting concluded that “the matter relating to permanent boundary demarcation in the area of difference shall be considered and decided by the appropriate committee at the State level.”
Both the states committed to “maintain peace, harmony and tranquility and shall refrain from any activity that may create disturbance or affect the prevailing law and order situation.”
Tuesday’s outcome follows a May 18, 2026 meeting of village representatives that “remained inconclusive due to differing views regarding the nature of plantation activities to be permitted in the area.”
According to officials, the agreement “reflects the commitment of both state governments and local stakeholders towards maintaining peace, safeguarding the interests of local communities, and resolving outstanding issues through dialogue and cooperation.”
