MPCC chief Vincent H Pala says exclusion of local bodies, ADCs and border residents has weakened efforts to resolve disputes in sensitive areas like Lapangap
Guwahati: Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has criticised the Assam-Meghalaya border agreement, describing it as largely symbolic and ineffective in addressing long-standing disputes along the interstate boundary.
Speaking on the issue, MPCC president Vincent H Pala said the border conflict cannot be resolved through discussions restricted to the two state governments alone. He argued that any lasting settlement must involve traditional institutions, Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and residents directly affected by the dispute.
“The concerns of local communities cannot be ignored in such a sensitive matter,” Pala said, adding that excluding stakeholders such as Rangbah Shnongs, Dolois and village representatives could worsen tensions instead of bringing permanent peace.
His remarks come amid renewed tensions in Lapangap in West Jaintia Hills, where villagers recently travelled to Shillong to complain about alleged harassment by members of the Karbi community from Assam.
Pala also claimed that many residents in the disputed areas remain dissatisfied with the current terms of the agreement and accused authorities of presenting an image of progress without resolving ground-level concerns.
Referring to the first phase of the border settlement, he further alleged that certain decisions appeared influenced by individual land-related interests. According to him, resolving isolated land disputes alone cannot replace a comprehensive and durable interstate boundary solution that also addresses identity and ownership concerns.
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