HT Bureau
DIPHU, Oct 9: Tension flared along the Assam-Meghalaya border in West Karbi Anglong district on Wednesday after a violent clash over paddy harvesting left one person dead and two others injured, police said.
The deceased has been identified as Oriwel Timung, 44, while one of the injured is reported to be in critical condition.
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The clash occurred at Tapat under Hamren Police Station when villagers from Meghalaya allegedly began harvesting paddy within Assam territory, prompting opposition from local Karbi residents.
Police intervened and used tear gas to disperse the crowd, bringing the situation under control.
The injured have been shifted to a nearby hospital, and the body of the deceased has been sent for post-mortem. Senior police officers rushed to the site to assess the situation and ensure peace.
This incident comes just three days after a meeting of the Inter-State Border Peace Committee on October 6, where both sides had agreed to suspend all agricultural and development activities in the disputed area until normalcy was restored.
Expressing his deep sorrow over the incident, chief executive member of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), Tuliram Ronghang, announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the deceased’s family and confirmed that the council would bear the medical expenses of the injured.
In a social media statement, Ronghang condemned the violence, stating, “Violence has no place in resolving disputes — every life lost is a wound to our community. I appeal to both sides to remain calm and maintain peace so that the issue may be resolved amicably.”
Tagging Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the CEM urged the administration to ensure peace and justice along the border.
“Let us stand together in prayer for peace, justice, and healing for all those affected. May such tragic incidents never occur again,” he added.
The incident underscores the fragile situation along the Assam-Meghalaya border, where disputes over land and resources continue to spark tension, despite repeated efforts by authorities and border committees to maintain harmony. (With input from PTI)
