Assam-Meghalaya border firing: Six killed, Seven districts cut off internet
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Five people from Meghalaya and one Assam Forest Guard were killed in a border firing incident in Mukroh in West Jaintia Hills on the border between the two states. The Home (Police) Department of the Meghalaya government has suspended internet services in seven districts from 10.30 am today.
Assam's forest guards allegedly shot dead five people from Meghalaya when they were returning with timber from a disputed area along the border between the two states. Eyewitnesses said the guards first fired at the vehicles carrying timber. When they realised they were outnumbered, they fired at drivers and occupants of the vehicles. Those who were in the vehicles also informed the residents of a nearby village, reported Hindustan Times.
Deputy inspector general Davis NR Marak, who is in charge of Meghalaya's eastern range, said information is very sketchy right now and he is on the way to the spot to ascertain the situation.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma confirmed the incident and said the injured have been rushed to hospital and an inquest is being conducted. The state police have registered an FIR. He also announced Rs 5 lakh for the families of the five victims.
The internet shutdown is to prevent the misuse of media - WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc. to escalate the conflict. Telecom and social media services will be shut across West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, Eastern West Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, and South West Khasi Hills districts.
A statement issued by the Meghalaya government said: "Reports have been received from police headquarters, Meghalaya, Shillong that an untoward incident has occurred in Mukroh, West Jaintia Hills, Jowai, having a potential to disturb public peace and tranquillity, and cause a threat to public safety in West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, Eastern West Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills, which may likely breakdown law and order."
Violators of the order will be penalised under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and also the related provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, said Secretary to the Home (Police) Department, Meghalaya.
There are 12 contested areas along the 884.9 km border between Assam and Meghalaya. There are 36 villages in the area. The conflict has been going on for five decades. In March 2022, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma signed an agreement to resolve the dispute. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the agreement will resolve 7-% of the dispute.
