Border Census Disputes Stall Enumeration in Contested Hamlets

Census operations have faced significant resistance in several hamlets along the Assam-Meghalaya border, where Khasi villagers have blocked officials from collecting household data. According to reports from GN geopolitics/border, the dispute centers on overlapping claims of jurisdiction, with residents asserting that Meghalaya has already conducted enumeration in these areas. This development has introduced a layer of complexity to the national census drive, particularly in regions where the state boundary remains legally and administratively unsettled.

The resistance has been reported in approximately fifty villages across Kamrup and West Karbi Anglong districts. Sources indicate that the primary concern is to avoid double-counting residents in areas where the boundary dispute is unresolved. Assam census authorities are reportedly awaiting detailed reports from district administration before engaging formally with Meghalaya’s counterparts to address these specific overlaps.

Tensions rise in disputed villages

In Mukroh village, West Karbi Anglong, local residents disrupted census activities on Monday, alleging that Meghalaya officials had already completed the process. A census supervisor stated that village elders pointed to long-standing support from Meghalaya, including the provision of ration and water, as justification for their stance. Police were deployed to the scene to maintain order, though officials noted that forced enumeration could have escalated the situation into physical confrontation.

A similar incident occurred in Lampi, an area with a history of border clashes. When Assam officials attempted to conduct enumeration at a local school, Khasi residents intervened, claiming the area falls under Meghalaya’s jurisdiction. While census work continued in neighboring villages inhabited by Rabha communities, operations in the disputed Khasi-inhabited zones were suspended due to the heightened risk of conflict.

Unresolved boundary agreements complicate process

The current standoff highlights the lingering effects of the inter-state boundary dispute. Although Assam and Meghalaya signed an agreement in March 2022 to resolve six of twelve contested areas, the remaining six zones remain unsettled. These complex boundary differences continue to impact administrative functions, including the census, where clear jurisdictional lines are essential for accurate data collection.

Officials in Guwahati have emphasized the need for careful coordination to prevent data duplication without escalating local tensions. The situation underscores the challenges of conducting administrative operations in regions where political and social loyalties often cross formal state boundaries. Negotiations between the two states are ongoing, but a final resolution for the remaining contested areas is yet to be determined.

Watch for diplomatic engagement

The next phase of the census will likely depend on the outcome of inter-state discussions. Observers will watch for any formal diplomatic engagement between Assam and Meghalaya authorities to clarify jurisdictional claims in the affected villages. Until a clear administrative framework is established, census teams may continue to face operational hurdles in these disputed zones.