Tension flared once again along the Assam–Meghalaya border after road repair work undertaken by the Assam Government in Upper Lampi, under Boko–Chaygaon Co-District, was allegedly disrupted by Meghalaya residents and supporters on Thursday.
According to officials, workers and construction materials had been mobilized to install a culvert aimed at safeguarding the only road that connects Boko to Upper Lampi.
However, a section of Khasi residents from Meghalaya’s West Khasi Hills, backed by local supporters, reportedly stopped the workers and forced them to leave the site.
The 40-km stretch of road, built about five years ago by the Assam Government, remains at the heart of the long-standing border dispute, as Meghalaya residents claim ownership of the area.
The incident took place barely one kilometre away 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, also arrived, triggering heated exchanges between both sides.
Magistrate Raben Deori later confirmed that the situation was brought under control and assured that the matter would be taken up with higher authorities to decide on completing the pending roadwork.
PWD engineer Manik Dutta informed that the 23-km stretch of hilly terrain from Kompadoli to Upper Lampi is currently being upgraded with guard walls, drains, and culverts under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
The border village of Lampi has long been one of the flashpoints in the Assam–Meghalaya boundary dispute.
Spread over 25 sq km, Lampi is claimed by both Assam’s Kamrup district and Meghalaya’s West Khasi Hills. The area has witnessed repeated flare-ups in the past, often disrupting development work and triggering law-and-order concerns.
In November 2021, both Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma held talks at Lower Lampi to address the contentious issue. The two states have since resolved six of the 12 disputed locations, but Lampi remains one of the most sensitive and unsettled zones.