User:Sailingsmooth5/Assam-Meghalaya Border Conflict
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The Assam - Meghalaya Border Conflict is
Background[edit]
Assam and Meghalaya share an 885-km border, stemming from the creation of Meghalaya as an autonomous state in 1970 and its subsequent full statehood in 1972 under the Assam Reorganisation (Meghalaya) Act of 1969. The border issue arose from the Meghalaya government's dissatisfaction with the Act. The dispute encompasses 12 contentious areas, including Langpih, Upper Tarabari, Gazang reserve forest, among others.[1]
Among these areas, Langpih in the West Garo Hills emerged as a significant flashpoint. Formerly part of the Kamrup district during British rule, Langpih became integrated into Meghalaya post-independence. Disputes over Langpih intensified, leading to clashes between different communities and police intervention, resulting in casualties.[1]
List of Incidents[edit]
- May 2010: Clashes between the Nepali, Khasi, and Garo communities caused Assam Police to fire on rioters, killing 4 Khasi and injuring 18.[1]
- March 2020: Assam Police set up a border outpost in Umwali in Langpih, causing protests from the local Khasi population.[1]
The tension escalated on the Assam-Meghalaya border areas following an altercation resulting in the death of six individuals during a police interception of a truck suspected of timber smuggling in Moikrang, West Karbi Anglong district, Meghalaya. The incident occurred around 3 am when the Assam Forest Department team intercepted the truck. As the truck attempted to flee, the forest guards resorted to firing, leading to a confrontation with armed individuals from Meghalaya.[1]
Resolution Efforts[edit]
Efforts to resolve the dispute have spanned decades. Joint committees and independent panels were formed, recommending re-delineation of the border with Survey of India's assistance. Despite these efforts, the dispute persisted, with Meghalaya's rejection of proposed solutions.[1]
In 2011, the Meghalaya Assembly sought the Centre's intervention, advocating for a boundary commission. Subsequent appeals to the Supreme Court and bilateral talks yielded limited progress until January 29, when Assam and Meghalaya signed a draft resolution. This milestone led to a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on March 29, signaling progress in resolving the 50-year-old dispute.[1]
The MoU outlined resolution plans for six disputed sectors, with subsequent talks addressing remaining contentious areas. Principles guiding the resolution process include historical facts, ethnicity, administrative convenience, sentiments of the concerned populations, and geographical contiguity.[1]
On August 22, 2022, regional committees were established to address unresolved issues, reflecting ongoing efforts towards a comprehensive resolution.[1]