SHILLONG: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Wednesday said the Meghalaya government is maintaining close coordination with Assam authorities to defuse tensions in the Lapangap border area and work towards a long-term solution acceptable to both sides.
Speaking on the ongoing situation, Sangma said he has remained in constant touch with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and discussions are underway for a face-to-face meeting between the two leaders.
According to Sangma, the meeting may take place before May 30 if schedules permit, otherwise both sides are expected to meet within the next week or ten days. The chief minister said the government has been actively monitoring developments in the area, including during his recent visit to the Garo Hills.
“I have personally spoken more than 15 to 20 times with the West Jaintia Hills SP, district administration, Karbi Anglong leadership, local MLA and the Assam Chief Minister,” he said.
Sangma stated that the administration has been trying to ensure the situation remains under control while discussions continue at different levels.
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Explaining the dispute, the chief minister said nearly 85 per cent of the cultivated paddy field area remains free from conflict, while the dispute concerns around 15 per cent of the land.
He said local farmers have been cultivating paddy in the area for decades, but recent developments from the Karbi Anglong and Assam side have created concern among residents.
“We are trying to find a win-win situation where both sides are satisfied,” Sangma said.
He also appealed to the people of Lapangap to cooperate with the administration and allow time for discussions to continue so that a lasting solution can be worked out.