Violence Erupts in Pilingkata Village Along Assam-Meghalaya Border Over Name Plate Removal Dispute

A violent confrontation occurred between residents living along the Assam-Meghalaya border on Sunday, resulting in multiple injuries.

The conflict began in Pilingkata village when an argument erupted over the removal of a name plate in this area, which is among the contested territories along the interstate boundary.

According to reports, a group of women from the Meghalaya side allegedly attacked several women from Assam. The situation quickly deteriorated as large crowds from both states gathered and engaged in a heated dispute.

Multiple people sustained injuries during this clash, though authorities have not yet made any arrests. Additional security personnel were dispatched to the location to prevent further escalation of tensions.

The states of Assam and Meghalaya have been involved in a prolonged territorial dispute covering 12 areas, including Pilingkata, along their 884.9-kilometer shared border. In March 2022, both states signed an agreement in New Delhi, witnessed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, aimed at resolving disputes in six areas.

From the 36.79 square kilometers of disputed territories addressed in the first phase across six locations, Assam received 18.46 square kilometers while Meghalaya was allocated 18.33 square kilometers.

Meghalaya was established in 1972 through separation from Assam and has since challenged the Assam Reorganisation Act of 1971, which Assam recognizes as defining its official border.

By Independence Day, both state governments had installed border pillars in five disputed areas, marking a significant step toward resolving their long-standing boundary disagreements.