Shillong, May 14: The state government has deployed one SF-10 platoon and two platoons of the Meghalaya Battalion to Lapangap village in West Jaintia Hills.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, the Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang said the state police have deployed the forces.
Home department is also considering setting up a police camp in the area after Assam put up its own camp.
The move follows a protest by Lapangap villagers at the state secretariat on Wednesday, to demand security for the farmers.
On the villagers’ demand for a police outpost, the DGP said Meghalaya would consider putting up a camp, noting that Assam had already done so.
“As you are aware Assam insisted that we maintain the status quo. So, while they have put up theirs, it is more of a camp. So, depending on the situation, we will also see from our side, we would put up a camp,” Nongrang said.
The Barato outpost, inaugurated last Saturday, is located 16 to 19 kilometers from Lapangap..
“It was a very genuine problem for them. They have been saying that while the Assam side is not stopping the cultivation but what is happening, they go for the cultivation and in the evenings whatever they planted is uprooted during the night. That is the problem which they are really facing and they are saying that we haven’t had much support from us and we have been trying our best,” Nongrang said.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said discussions with Assam on the second phase of border talks to resolve the remaining six areas of difference will be taken up.
In response to queries on the status of the inter-state border negotiations, Sangma said the process would resume shortly.
“The new government was sworn in in Assam. Therefore, let a few days pass. I will communicate with the Assam Chief Minister and we will definitely take the discussion forward very soon,” Sangma told reporters after launching vehicles for the police here on Wednesday.
The talks surround six remaining areas of difference — Langpih, Borduar, Nongwah-Mawtamur, Desh Doomreah, Block I & Block II, and Psiar-Khanduli.
The first phase of the border settlement was concluded in March 2022. The agreement covered Tarabari, Gizang, Hahim, Boklapara, Khanapara-Pillangkata, and Ratacherra.
