Meghalaya Strengthens Border Security with Seven New Border Outposts

SHILLONG: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong made the announcement on Monday that the state has opened seven new Border Outposts (BOPs) in four districts along the disputed border with Assam.

The move is aimed at boosting the security and safety of the people residing in these sensitive areas.

The new BOPs are at Rani-Jirang in Ri Bhoi district; Langpih, Lejadubi, and Umwali in West Khasi Hills district; Mooriap in East Jaintia Hills; and Tihwieh and Mukroh in West Jaintia Hills. These outposts will act as key security checkpoints, maintaining law enforcement presence and immediate response to border villages.

During a call attention motion while speaking to the Assembly, Tynsong, who is also Meghalaya's Home Minister, reasserted the government's dedication to safeguarding the rights and security of citizens living along the border.

"The government is still committed to ensuring the rights and security of residents along the border, and necessary steps will still be taken to address their concerns," he asserted.

The Assam-Meghalaya border has long been a contentious area, with conflicts sometimes arising from disputes and causing tensions. The setting up of these BOPs is likely to bring much-needed confidence to the people and discourage threats in the area.

Efforts to settle the Assam-Meghalaya border conflict have been continuous, with the two state governments actively pursuing dialogue with residents and community leaders.

In March 2022, Assam and Meghalaya signed a historic agreement to settle a half-century-old conflict in six of the twelve disputed areas along their common 884.9-km border.

Aside from the border outpost, the government of Meghalaya has approved nine new police outposts in five districts in the state. While these are not situated per se in the border regions, they should boost overall law enforcement and help provide peace throughout Meghalaya.

Tynsong also appreciated the effective intervention of the West Jaintia Hills district administration in Mukroh village, where earlier tensions had resulted in threats of an election boycott. The efforts of the administration restored confidence among the people, enabling them to vote in the Tribal Council elections without fear.

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