Boko, March 19: Ahead of the assembly elections in Assam, the deputy commissioners of two border districts – West Khasi Hills and Kamrup – visited the Assam side of the inter-state border at Langpih to review poll preparedness.
The DCs – Deba Kumar Mishra (Kamrup) and Hema Nayak (West Khasi Hills) reviewed preparedness for the forthcoming election in view of the sensitive nature of the border in the area.
A joint coordination meeting held during their visit at Lower Lumpi advocated for ensuring free, fair and peaceful polling in the border polling stations.
Langpih or Lumpi is one of the six areas of differences where both Meghalaya and Assam claim administrative control over the area pending a final resolution on the same.
Besides local residents, the meeting was attended by West Kahsi Hills SP Herbert Pyniaid Kharkongor, Kamrup SP Subhashish Baruah, and Kamrup Zila Parishad CEO Siddhartha Goswami, among others.
“The border areas of Kamrup district share proximity with Ri-Bhoi and West Khasi Hills districts, making inter-state coordination crucial for the smooth conduct of elections,” Mishra said.
“There are around 15 polling stations in the border areas, including Lumpi, Gamerimura and Ukiam, which fall under the Boko-Chaygaon and Palashbari Assembly constituencies,” he added.
Nayak said the meeting was aimed at ensuring all necessary arrangements are in place.
“The meeting at Lumpi was organised to ensure proper coordination and preparedness for the elections, which has helped in conducting peaceful polls in the past as well,” she said.
Officials said discussions focused on smooth conduct of voting, deployment of security personnel and facilitation of voters from both sides of the inter-state border.
The elections to the 126-member Assam assembly will be held on April 9. Votes will be counted on May 4.
Special emphasis was laid on ensuring that voters from Lumpi and adjoining areas can cast their votes without inconvenience, with active cooperation between the two state administrations.
This was the second round of discussions between the Kamrup and West Khasi Hills administrations, the first having been held in Ri-Bhoi.
DC Mishra highlighted that the inter‑state boundary of Kamrup district adjoins Ri‑Bhoi and West Khasi Hills districts, and therefore coordination is essential for the smooth conduct of elections.
He informed that there are 15 polling stations in the border areas, including Lumpi, Gamerimura, and Ukiam, spread across Boko‑Chaygaon and Palashbari constituencies.
Detailed discussions have been held with the Meghalaya administration to address possible challenges, with assurances of full cooperation from their side.
West Khasi Hills DC Hema Nayak said the meeting at Lumpi was aimed at strengthening election preparedness and routine coordination, which has ensured peaceful polls in the border areas over the years.
She assured full cooperation from the West Khasi Hills administration and requested Kamrup Rural authorities to share the movement plan of polling stations for effective coordination with Assam police stations.
