BOKO, Sept 5: Census operations were allegedly disrupted at Noapara LP School in Lampi under Kamrup district after a group of Meghalaya supporters, accompanied by Meghalaya Police personnel, objected to the ongoing population enumeration, triggering tension in the disputed border area.
According to information available, village headman Chankiyo Marak and Arthuch Sangma, along with Meghalaya police personnel, allegedly reached the census site while officials were carrying out the enumeration and raised objections to the exercise.
The situation reportedly became tense, prompting Assam Police to reach the spot and intervene. The census officials were subsequently escorted safely from the area after completing their assigned work.
The incident has once again highlighted the fragile situation along the Assam-Meghalaya border, with local residents expressing concern over recurring confrontations and the security of government personnel working in the area.
Arjun Chhetri, Executive Member of the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council, alleged that such incidents have become frequent because of inadequate administrative intervention and security arrangements.
Reacting sharply to claims over disputed areas, Chhetri said, “If a Garo-Khasi village exists in Dispur, will Meghalaya claim Assam’s capital?” He alleged that attempts to raise territorial claims were creating unnecessary disputes and tensions in Assam’s border areas.
Chhetri called for stronger administrative measures and adequate security to ensure that government officials can carry out census and other official duties without obstruction.
The incident comes amid long-standing territorial disputes between Assam and Meghalaya, particularly across several areas along their inter-state boundary.
