SHILLONG, JUL 22: A sense of fear has gripped Langpih and surrounding villages in West Khasi Hills after locals alleged that Assam police entered the disputed border area twice this month without informing Meghalaya authorities.

In a letter submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, West Khasi Hills on Wednesday, Mawskikar resident Jylliew Singh Marwein said police personnel were seen in the villages on July 15 and again on July 20.

He said the visits, made without notice to the district administration or village Headmen, involved questioning of residents and caused widespread panic.

Citing the status-quo arrangement between Assam and Meghalaya, Marwein said neither side should take unilateral steps that could disturb peace in the sensitive belt.

He also brought up the 2010 Langpih firing, in which four people were allegedly killed by Assam police, saying the incident still weighs on villagers who continue to live under apprehension.

According to the representation, such actions are seen locally as attempts to intimidate residents.

It cautioned that continued incursions could erode trust and trigger unrest along the border if left unaddressed.

The letter further stated that sidelining traditional institutions like the headmen goes against efforts to keep the area stable.

The villagers have now called on the Meghalaya government to raise the issue with Assam and to ensure that any future movement of security personnel in Langpih is done only after prior intimation and coordination with local officials and community leaders. They have also sought a probe into the two recent incidents and a renewed commitment from both states to adhere to the status-quo agreement.

“Border areas need peace and law and order, but the people living here also deserve safety and respect,” the representation said.

The submission was endorsed by the Sordar of Mawskikar.