KSU extends support to Lapangap villagers amid border tensions

Hundreds of villagers from Lapangap village in West Jaintia Hills district, accompanied by members of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) and other pressure groups, on Wednesday staged a peaceful procession to the Secretariat demanding immediate intervention from the Meghalaya government to resolve the ongoing tensions along the Assam-Meghalaya border that have disrupted farming activities in the area.

The protest was organised to press for the protection of farmers from Lapangap who have allegedly been unable to resume agricultural activities due to fear and tension arising from repeated confrontations with Karbi residents living across the inter-state boundary in Assam.

The demonstrators, including members of the KSU, Jaiñtia National Council (JNC), Jaiñtia Students’ Union (JSU) and other organisations from West Jaiñtia Hills, arrived in Shillong in the afternoon after travelling from the district to participate in the march.

As the protesters moved towards the Secretariat, police attempted to stop them near the office of the Superintendent of Police of East Khasi Hills district, leading to a brief confrontation between security personnel and demonstrators. Sources said police personnel were on standby and prepared to use tear gas if the situation deteriorated further.

Despite the standoff, the protesters eventually reached the Secretariat gate where they raised slogans against Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Deputy Chief Ministers Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar, accusing the government of failing to adequately address the grievances of the villagers.

Later, magistrates allowed representatives from the Dorbar Shnong Lapangap and leaders of various organisations to enter the Secretariat premises for talks with Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar.
Speaking to reporters, KSU Nartiang Circle president Chanbor War said the organisation had joined the protest to extend moral and physical support to the people of Lapangap and KSU members in the area. He alleged that repeated meetings between the administrations of West Jaintia Hills and West Karbi Anglong had failed to produce any concrete outcome.

War further said the KSU wants the government to ensure that farmers are allowed to cultivate and harvest their crops peacefully without interference.

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