Guwahati, June 2 (IANS) Assam and Meghalaya on Tuesday agreed to allow local residents to continue cultivation in designated parts of the disputed Lapangap region, while deferring the issue of permanent border demarcation to a state-level committee for further discussion, officials said.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting held at the Assam Police Camp in Lapangap, attended by senior political leaders, administrative officials, police officers, and representatives of local bodies from both states.

Under the arrangement, villagers from Lapangap will continue paddy cultivation in the foothill areas, while residents of Tahpat will be permitted to grow seasonal crops, including banana, pineapple, and ginger, on the hilltops and slopes of the disputed area.

According to a joint statement issued after the meeting, both governments agreed that the issue of final boundary demarcation in the area of difference would be examined by the appropriate state-level committee before any final decision is taken. The two sides also reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and harmony in the sensitive border region and avoiding any activity that could disturb law and order.

The development follows recent discussions between Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on resolving long-pending border disputes through dialogue and mutual understanding.

Lapangap has remained a sensitive location along the Assam-Meghalaya border, particularly after a Karbi villager died during clashes between residents from the two sides in October last year.

The Meghalaya delegation at the meeting included Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, Principal Secretary Frederick R. Kharkongor, Commissioner and Secretary Cyril V. Diengdoh, Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council Chief Executive Member Thombor Shiwat, West Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhinav Singh, and Superintendent of Police Jagpal Singh Dhanoa.

Representing Assam were Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member and MLA Tuliram Ronghang, MP Amarsing Tisso, Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Tiwari, and legislators Surjya Rongphar, Lunsing Teron, Habbey Teron, and Niso Terangpi, among others.

Officials said an earlier meeting of village representatives convened by the West Jaintia Hills district administration on May 18 failed to reach a consensus due to differing opinions over plantation activities in the disputed region.

The latest understanding is being viewed as an important step towards reducing tensions in Lapangap while protecting the livelihood interests of people living along the inter-state border.

–IANS

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