The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) today sought ‘urgent intervention’ of union Home Minister Amit Shah to restore peace and order for all affected communities along the Assam-Meghalaya border.

“The protracted territorial disputes between the states of Meghalaya and Assam have persisted since the establishment of Meghalaya in 1971. Over the decades, these disputes have escalated into numerous violent clashes, leading to tragic loss of human life and significant economic distress for residents on both sides of the border,” HITO President, Donbok Dkhar said in a memo to the Home Minister.

Stating that both Assam and Meghalaya governments claim to be engaged in dialogue aimed at resolving these long-standing issues, the organisation argued that their discussions often appear superficial and lack any substantial outcome.

“Such dialogues serve more as a temporary bandage on a deep-seated wound, offering little more than false hope to the border communities who endure daily hardships, including property destruction, threats to livelihood, and social unrest,” Dkhar said.

Claiming Assam government’s repeated “incursions into the territory of Meghalaya”, Dkhar said that it represents a grave violation of established regional agreements.

“The aggressive stance taken by Assam has proven that it operates with scant regard for treaties, agreements, and the historical promises that were made,” HITO President said, citing the 2009 Langpih violence in which several lives were lost and the 2022 Mukroh violence in which again innocent lives were lost.

“Most recently, in a blatant act of territorial encroachment, the Assam government, leveraging Karbi tribesmen, obstructed local farmers in Meghalaya from harvesting their paddy crops, trampling on human rights. This interference has resulted in severe economic ramifications, exacerbating the existing vulnerabilities of an already marginalised farming community,” Dkhar said.

Despite pledges from Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, indicating a commitment to cease these aggressive actions, the HITO President said that Sarma’s assurances have “proven to be disingenuous”.

Dkhar further claimed that armed Karbi militant outfits are intimidating and harassing local residents.

“This is not only unlawful but an affront to the constitutional principles that govern this nation. Such actions must not go uninvestigated, and those responsible must be held accountable for their misconduct,” the HITO President said.