Shillong: Weeks of tension between Pnar villagers from Lapangap in Meghalaya and Karbi villagers from Tahpat in Assam have eased after both sides reached a peace agreement, allowing farmers to resume paddy harvesting without further disruption.
The breakthrough followed a coordination meeting held on October 20 at the Assam Border Outpost in Khanduli, where officials from West Jaiñtia Hills and West Karbi Anglong districts jointly facilitated dialogue between representatives of the two communities. The meeting aimed to restore calm after the violent clash on October 8 that claimed the life of Oriwel Timung of Tahpat village.
Authorities from both states confirmed that the communities have agreed to maintain peace, cooperate with ongoing investigations, and ensure uninterrupted agricultural activities during the crucial harvest season. The administrations also pledged full coordination to ensure justice in connection with Timung’s death.
Senior officials present at the meeting included West Jaiñtia Hills Border Magistrate G.H. Passah, West Karbi Anglong Deputy Commissioner S.P. Sarma, Superintendent of Police R. Barua, along with several headmen and community leaders. Participants stressed the importance of restraint, dialogue, and shared responsibility in preventing further unrest.
The decision to immediately resume paddy harvesting was viewed as vital to safeguarding livelihoods amid growing concerns about potential crop loss. Both administrations urged villagers to abide by the peace accord and extend full cooperation to law enforcement agencies in maintaining stability along the sensitive border region.
Officials described the agreement as a crucial step towards rebuilding trust and ensuring long-term harmony between the neighbouring border communities of Assam and Meghalaya.
