GUWAHATI: Census operations were allegedly disrupted at Noapara Lower Primary School in Lampi under Kamrup district on September 5 after a group of Meghalaya supporters objected to the ongoing population enumeration, triggering tension along the Assam-Meghalaya border.
According to information available, village headman Chankiyo Marak and Arthuch Sangma, accompanied by Meghalaya Police personnel, allegedly arrived at the census site and raised objections to the exercise.
The intervention led to tension at the location, following which Assam Police personnel reached the spot and intervened. Census officials were subsequently escorted safely from the area after completing their assigned duties.
The incident raised fresh concerns among residents over recurring tensions along the inter-state border, particularly in areas where competing territorial claims have remained a longstanding issue.
Executive Member of the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council Arjun Chhetri alleged that such incidents were occurring frequently due to inadequate security arrangements and what he described as administrative failure to prevent confrontations along the boundary.
Chhetri also criticised Meghalaya’s claims over areas in Assam and questioned their basis. Referring to the presence of Garo and Khasi communities in Assam, he said that the existence of a Garo-Khasi village in Dispur could similarly be used to claim Assam’s capital as part of Meghalaya.
He called for stronger administrative intervention and adequate security arrangements to ensure that government officials could conduct exercises, including census operations, without obstruction.
