Tension has once again returned to the Assam–Meghalaya border in the Bhasistha–Pillangkata area near Guwahati after a notice board put up by the Meghalaya authorities was found fully covered with black paint. The signboard was meant to show Meghalaya’s claim over the land, and its defacement immediately triggered anger among local residents on the Meghalaya side. They accused people from Assam of trying to erase their historical claim and provoke fresh trouble in the already sensitive area.
According to local reports, a woman from the Assam side said that some women from Meghalaya came shouting and accusing Assamese residents of wiping the signboard. She said that she was pushed and blamed without any proof. Soon after, the situation took a violent turn when a group of women from the Meghalaya side reportedly crossed into the disputed zone and attacked an Assamese woman living nearby.
As the news spread, people from both sides gathered at the spot, raising fears of a bigger clash. However, timely action from security forces of both Assam and Meghalaya prevented the situation from getting completely out of control. Police tried to separate the groups and appealed to both sides to maintain peace. 
Another woman from the Assam side told the media that stones were thrown at her and she was injured. She said her body was bleeding and she asked the police for help. She added that the police were trying to pull her away from the fight but the situation was very chaotic. Another resident said she was slapped, kicked, and threatened even though she had done nothing and was only standing near her gate. She said she repeatedly requested police protection but felt that her plea did not get the attention she needed at that moment.
The Bhasistha–Pillangkata area is one of the long-standing points of dispute between the two states. The border issue dates back several decades, linked to different readings of colonial-era maps and the formation of Meghalaya in 1972. Although both states resolved six out of the twelve disputed locations in 2022, several areas—including Pillangkata—remain unsettled. Because of this, even small incidents like painting over a signboard easily turn into emotional and tense situations for local people who feel strongly about their land and identity.
As of 1 December 2025, there is heavy police presence in the region. Movement across the border has been restricted to prevent further trouble. Both the Assam and Meghalaya governments have appealed to people to stay calm while officials from both sides hold emergency meetings to avoid escalation.
