Imphal, Oct 10: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has called for restraint and calm following a violent incident along the Assam-Meghalaya border that claimed one civilian’s life.
Sangma said this at a news conference in Imphal today.
The incident happened at Lapangap village under the West Jaintia Hills district on Thursday following a clash between two groups, resulting in one death and several injuries. A night curfew has been imposed in the area.
The clash occurred despite efforts by police from both Meghalaya and Assam to maintain peace.
The incident happened when residents of Lapangap were allowed to collect paddy from their fields under police supervision. However, a group from the Karbi side arrived, leading to a fight that resulted in one fatality. The deceased was identified as 45-year-old Orivel Timung, son of Sarpang Eh Timung from Tahpat village under the Karbi community. Few police personnel and villagers also sustained injuries during the incident.
Clarifying the circumstances of the incident, Sangma said the violence stemmed from a scuffle between two groups of civilians from either side of the border. “The situation escalated between local residents. Police personnel from both states were on the ground, trying to control their respective populations to prevent confrontation. There was no police involvement in the clash and no lethal action by any enforcement agency,” he stated, terming the episode “a tragic public-to-public altercation.”
The Chief Minister expressed deep regret over the loss of life and stressed the need for continued peace and cooperation as both Assam and Meghalaya pursue dialogue to end their decades-old boundary dispute. “Such incidents are deeply unfortunate, especially at a time when both governments are working tirelessly to find lasting solutions,” he said.
Highlighting progress in the peace process, Sangma noted that six of the 12 disputed areas between the two states have already been resolved through mutual dialogue and extensive public consultations — a milestone in the region’s history. “We didn’t take decisions behind closed doors. We went to the people, held public hearings, and asked them where they felt they belonged — with Meghalaya or with Assam. Their voice guided us,” he explained.
Sangma reaffirmed his commitment to dialogue alongside Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, under the guidance of the central government. “Both of us have agreed that meetings will only happen when we can move closer to a complete and meaningful solution. The old status quo approach is behind us,” he emphasized.
Appealing for calm, the Chief Minister urged residents on both sides to refrain from violence and allow peace efforts to continue. “We remain committed to resolving the remaining six areas of difference through dialogue, trust, and cooperation,” he said
Clarifying the circumstances of the incident, Sangma said the violence stemmed from a scuffle between two groups of civilians from either side of the border. “The situation escalated between local residents. Police personnel from both states were on the ground, trying to control their respective populations to prevent confrontation. There was no police involvement in the clash and no lethal action by any enforcement agency,” he stated, terming the episode “a tragic public-to-public altercation.”
The Chief Minister expressed deep regret over the loss of life and stressed the need for continued peace and cooperation as both Assam and Meghalaya pursue dialogue to end their decades-old boundary dispute. “Such incidents are deeply unfortunate, especially at a time when both governments are working tirelessly to find lasting solutions,” he said.
Highlighting progress in the peace process, Sangma noted that six of the 12 disputed areas between the two states have already been resolved through mutual dialogue and extensive public consultations — a milestone in the region’s history. “We didn’t take decisions behind closed doors. We went to the people, held public hearings, and asked them where they felt they belonged — with Meghalaya or with Assam. Their voice guided us,” he explained.
Sangma reaffirmed his commitment to dialogue alongside Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, under the guidance of the central government. “Both of us have agreed that meetings will only happen when we can move closer to a complete and meaningful solution. The old status quo approach is behind us,” he emphasized.
Appealing for calm, the Chief Minister urged residents on both sides to refrain from violence and allow peace efforts to continue. “We remain committed to resolving the remaining six areas of difference through dialogue, trust, and cooperation,” he said.
