Fresh tension erupts in Upper Lampi over Assam–Meghalaya border dispute

Tension flared once again along the Assam–Meghalaya border after a group of Meghalaya supporters allegedly disrupted road repair work undertaken by the Assam Government in Upper Lampi, under Boko–Chaygaon Co-District, on Thursday, August 28.

 

According to sources, labourers and construction materials had been mobilized to install a culvert aimed at protecting the only road that connects Boko to Upper Lampi. However, a section of Khasi residents, backed by Meghalaya supporters, reportedly stopped the workers and sent them away. The 40-km stretch of road, built around five years ago by the Assam Government, continues to be a point of contention as locals from Meghalaya’s West Khasi Hills district claim ownership of the area.

One of the labourers, Gopal Sharma, alleged that Meghalaya Police also obstructed the construction work. He further claimed that a bamboo hut erected near the site was dismantled by unidentified individuals.

The incident occurred barely one kilometre from the Assam Police’s Upper Lampi border outpost. Soon after, a team comprising Boko Police, a magistrate, and Public Works Department (PWD) officials reached the spot. Meghalaya Police, led by Sub-Inspector B. Diengdoh, also arrived, leading to heated exchanges between both sides. Reports suggest that the magistrate present at the site was also subjected to insults during the confrontation.

Speaking later, Magistrate Raben Deori confirmed that the situation had been brought under control and emphasized that discussions with higher authorities would determine the way forward for completing the roadwork. PWD engineer Manik Dutta added that the 23-km stretch of hilly terrain from Kompadoli to Upper Lampi is currently being fortified with guard walls, drains, and culverts under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

Meanwhile, tension continues to simmer in Lampi. It may be recalled that in November 2021, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, along with senior officials, had met at Lower Lampi to address inter-state border issues. While six of the 12 disputed locations have since been resolved, Lampi remains among the contentious areas yet to be settled.