Tensions between the two sides flared a week ago over the long-pending Assam-Meghalaya border dispute. Both the states have laid their claims on Langpi that lies on the border between Assam and Meghalaya. [break]
Four Khasis of Meghalaya were killed when police opened fire during a clash between locals of Meghalaya´s and Assam´s border villages. The irate Khasi community had then started attacking the Nepalis in the region in which 17 Nepalis have been killed so far.
According to Rohit Gautam, editor of Sapariwar monthly published from Assam, the Nepalis were killed when the Khasis attacked them in the night.
“The Khasis set the houses and sheds of Nepalis on fire,” Gautam said, “Many Nepalis were burnt alive.”
According to Gautam, the Khasi community has focused its attack on Nepalis in and around Jayanshila Hills, Garo Hills, Lathrumvahi and Nangstin, also known as the coalmine regions of Meghalaya. These places are densely populated by Nepali-speaking community.
Gautam said the attacks have, however, stopped for the past three days.
The situation is returning to normal after the Meghalaya government took the Khasi attackers under control.
However, those displaced from Meghalaya haven´t been able to return home.
According to Gautam, Nepalis in Assam have given shelter in camps to the displaced. Gautam said some of the displaced have moved to Nepali and Indian cities.
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