Fresh tension along Assam-Meghalaya border

Upper Tarabari residents flee village

A CORRESPONDENT

BOKO: Tension has been prevailing at Upper Tarabari village along the Assam- Meghalaya boundary under Boko LAC in the Kamrup district since Monday.

Over 150 Garo tribal people, including children and pregnant women, had to leave their village, Upper Tarabari, when they were allegedly chased away by some Meghalaya supporters. Over 50 people ran 10 kilometres away from their village on Monday night. They came to Jarihat where All Rabha Students' Union members gave them shelter on their office premises. The student union has been providing them with food and other essential materials since Monday. On Tuesday, more than 100 people came from the nearby jungles. They fled the village and hid in the jungle. The ARSU is providing them with food and shelter on their office premises. The Assam Police and administrative officials arrived at Jarihat 12 hours late.

Pitdon Sangma, the village headman of Upper Tarabari village, alleged that some Meghalaya supporters, who were also living in the same village, threatened the Assam supporters and demanded Rs 5,000 as a fine. In the recently resolved first-phase Assam-Meghalaya border issue, the Upper Tarabari village falls on the Assam side. However, some people are still creating problems and trying to attack Assam supporters. Pitdon Sangma, the village headman, also left his village with his family on Monday night. They arrived in the temporary shelter in Jarihat village in Assam.

Boko revenue circle officer Diwas Bordoloi said that police and administration were now trying to resolve the matter and send them back to their village. The police are also investigating the incident, he added.

On the other hand, around one week ago, some Meghalaya supporters allegedly extorted Rs 5000 per person who took Assam state's PDS rice and other commodities and supported Assam. Regarding this matter, the villagers of Upper Tarabari lodged an FIR in the Boko Police Station on July 8. Boko PS Officer in Charge Phanindra Nath registered to that effect. The police arrested three persons – Grimith S Sangma, Mikel B Sangma and Makston Marak –from the Upper Tarabari village. The ARSU members also called a medical team to provide medical assistance to a pregnant woman and three children who were suffering from fever. They also urged the State Government to solve the problem.

The Meghalaya Police also came to the camp and discussed the matter with the Boko Revenue Circle Officer and Boko PS Officer in charge.

Boko Circle Officer Diwas Bordoloi said they requested the Meghalaya Police to control the situation along with the Assam Police. According to him, till the situation comes under control, the people who are taking shelter will stay in the shelter camp. The administration will provide them with essential commodities.

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