Shillong, July 22: Assam police allegedly entered twice the disputed border area at Langpih in West Khasi Hills this month without informing Meghalaya authorities, causing panic among local people in the region.
The Assam police personnel were seen in the disputed region on July 15 and on July 20, according to a complaint submitted to Deputy Commissioner, West Khasi Hills on Wednesday
In the complaint, Mawskikar resident Jylliew Singh Marwein said no notice was issued by the Assam police to the district administration or village headmen about the visits.
Assam police personnel also allegedly questioned the local residents, causing widespread panic in Langpih and surrounding villages, according to the complaint endorsed by the Sordar of Mawskikar.
Citing the status-quo arrangement between Assam and Meghalaya, the complaint said neither side should take unilateral steps that could disturb peace in the sensitive belt.
It also brought up the 2010 Langpih firing, in which four people were allegedly killed by Assam police, saying the incident still weighs on villagers who continue to live under apprehension.
According to the representation, such actions are seen locally as attempts to intimidate residents.
It cautioned that continued incursions could erode trust and trigger unrest along the border if left unaddressed.
The letter further stated that sidelining the traditional institutions like the headmen goes against efforts to keep the area stable.
The villagers have now called on the Meghalaya government to raise the issue with Assam and to ensure that any future movement of security personnel in Langpih is done only after prior intimation and coordination with local officials and community leaders.
They have also sought a probe into the two recent incidents and a renewed commitment from both states to adhere to the status-quo agreement.
“Border areas need peace and law and order, but the people living here also deserve safety and respect,” the representation said.
