Assam: Tension in Lampi as Meghalaya supporters allegedly object to Census enumeration

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 in the Assam-Meghalaya border area.

According to information available, village headman Chankiyo Marak and Arthuch Sangma, accompanied by personnel of the Meghalaya Police, allegedly arrived at the census site and raised objections to the enumeration exercise.

The intervention reportedly led to a tense situation at the location, following which Assam Police personnel reached the spot and intervened. The census officials were subsequently escorted safely from the area after completing their assigned duties.

The incident has raised fresh concerns among residents over recurring tensions along the Assam-Meghalaya 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 because of inadequate security arrangements and what he described as a failure of the administration to prevent confrontations along the inter-state boundary.

Chhetri also criticised Meghalaya's claims over areas in Assam and questioned the basis of such claims. Referring to the presence of Garo and Khasi communities in areas of Assam, he said that if a Garo-Khasi village existed in Dispur, Meghalaya could potentially go on to claim Assam's capital as part of its territory.

He called for stronger administrative intervention and adequate security measures to ensure that government officials are able to conduct official exercises, including census operations, without obstruction.