Shillong : The Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government has reiterated its commitment to resolving the long-pending border dispute with Assam through dialogue and mutual understanding following fresh tensions in the Lapangap area along the inter-state border.

Meghalaya Cabinet Minister and government spokesperson Wailadmiki Shylla said on Tuesday that incidents of tension in the disputed region were not new and similar flare-ups had occurred in the past as well.

Fresh unrest surfaced in Lapangap after local farmers were allegedly prevented from cultivating paddy fields they claimed to have farmed for generations.

Following the incident, the Meghalaya government deployed a large contingent of Meghalaya Police personnel, including commandos, to maintain law and order in the border village.

Several organisations, including the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People and the Khasi Students’ Union West Jaintia Hills unit, criticised the government over the unresolved border issue and accused authorities of failing to find a permanent solution.

Representatives of the organisations also alleged that they were obstructed by Assam Police personnel while attempting to visit the affected area in solidarity with local farmers.

Earlier, residents of Lapangap, including villagers, women, elders and farmers, staged a protest march to the Secretariat and submitted a memorandum to the Meghalaya government seeking immediate intervention to safeguard their rights, livelihoods and security.

Addressing reporters, Shylla said six out of the 12 areas of difference between Meghalaya and Assam had already been resolved during the first phase of border talks under the MDA government.

“From the day we started negotiations with the Assam government, our commitment has been to completely resolve all the 12 areas of difference,” he said.

The minister added that negotiations over the latest situation in Lapangap were continuing, with Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police from both states remaining in close contact to prevent further escalation.

However, Shylla expressed concern over the approach of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, alleging that verbal agreements reached during discussions often changed within hours, complicating negotiations.

He also said discussions on the border issue had slowed temporarily due to elections in Assam but expressed optimism that talks would resume after the formation of the new government in the state.

The Meghalaya government reiterated that it believes a reasonable and lasting solution to the border dispute can be achieved through sustained dialogue and cooperation between the two neighbouring states.