SHILLONG : Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Monday said a joint meeting between villages over the Lapangap issue was conducted peacefully in the presence of district administrations from both Meghalaya and Assam, although several issues are yet to be resolved.
Speaking to reporters, Dhar said representatives from both villages met along with officials from the two states to discuss the ongoing tensions surrounding the disputed area.
“There was a meeting between both the villages in presence of the district administrations from both sides,” Dhar said.
“Somehow the meeting went off peacefully and there are some issues yet to be resolved so it may take time within a day or two,” he added.
When asked whether farming activities had resumed in the disputed area, the Deputy Chief Minister said cultivation work had not restarted yet.
“Today not yet resume,” he said.
Dhar stated that deputy commissioners and superintendents of police from both sides were present during the discussions, which helped maintain peace during the meeting.
“The two villages have come together and in the presence of DCs and SPs from both government. There are some issues still left and the meeting is very good and it went off peacefully,” he said.
However, he clarified that no final agreement or decision has been reached so far.
“Finally, the decision on how to go about it, we have not yet come to a conclusion so let us see another two or three days,” Dhar said.
The Deputy Chief Minister also stressed that the issue is being closely monitored at the highest political level, with both state governments actively coordinating efforts.
“Both the chief ministers are coordinating about this issue very seriously,” he said.
Clarifying the nature of the conflict, Dhar maintained that the matter is primarily linked to livelihood concerns rather than a direct border dispute.
“Today about Lapangap issue, it is not about border issue, it is mostly about livelihood,” he stated.
On the broader Assam-Meghalaya border talks, Dhar said Meghalaya would proceed with discussions once Assam appoints the chairman of its regional committee.
“On the border issue, when they appoint their chairman of the regional committee, we will discuss accordingly,” he said.