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Imphal, October 10 (IANS) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday appealed to people to maintain peace and restraint after violent clashes broke out on the Assam-Meghalaya border in which one person lost his life and several were injured.
Speaking to reporters in Imphal during his two-day visit to Manipur, CM Sangma described Thursday’s incident as “deeply unfortunate” and said it reflected the long-standing border differences between the two neighboring states.
The CM said, “Lapangp area has been one of the points of contention between Assam and Meghalaya. We are continuously in talks with Assam to find a solution. It is very unfortunate that such an incident happened. I appeal to everyone not to resort to violence and resolve the issues through dialogue.”
The clash took place in Assam’s West Karbi Anglong district when residents of Meghalaya reportedly started harvesting paddy in an area claimed by both the states.
Villagers of Tapat under Hamren police station objected to this activity, leading to a confrontation which turned violent. One person from the Karbi community was killed and several others were injured.
CM Sangma said both state governments had anticipated possible unrest during the harvesting season and had deployed security forces in the area. “Police from both sides had requested people to maintain restraint. Unfortunately, despite this, a scuffle broke out, resulting in tragic loss of life,” he said.
The Chief Minister said similar tensions often arise during the farming season as farmers from both sides work on the disputed land.
“Every year, farmers in both the states face difficulties during farming or harvesting. We try to resolve such issues at the local level through dialogue and by involving community leaders and peace committees,” he said.
The Chief Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to peacefully resolve the decades-old border dispute between Assam and Meghalaya, which involves disputes over 12 areas.
“We have already resolved six of them through mutual understanding. No government has taken such steps in the last five decades. We are working to resolve the remaining six,” he said.
Calling for restraint, CM Sangma urged citizens to maintain peace and cooperate with the authorities. “If people talk peacefully, the government will be in a better position to bring about a permanent solution,” he said.
–IANS
TDR/DPB