6 killed as Assam police, forest guards exchange fire
SHILLONG: At least six people, five civilians of Meghalaya and an Assam forest guard, died following “unprovoked” firing by Assam Police and state forest guards on Tuesday, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said.
The Chief Minister said that Assam Police and forest guards entered Mukroh village in West Jaintia Hills District and resorted to “unprovoked” firing, killing the five civilians of Meghalaya.
An unknown forest guard of Assam was also killed in the firing.
Sangma said that the Assam Police and forest guards intercepted a truck carrying timber at Mukroh village and ater that, a large number of people from the village reached the spot and surrounded the police and forest guards leading to the firing by the later.
Strongly condemning the incident, Sangma said that state Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui visited the spot and an FIR has been registered by the Meghalaya Police.
According to the Chief Minister, Thal Shadap, 45, Nikhasi Dhar, 65, and Sik Talang 55, died on the spot, while Tal Nartiang, 40 and Chirup Sumer, 40 succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.
“The Meghalaya Government strongly condemned the incident where the Assam Police and Assam forest guards entered Meghalaya and resorted to unprovoked firing. The state government would take all kinds of steps to ensure that justice is served, and action is taken against those responsible for this inhuman act,” Sangma told the media.
He said that as a mark of respect and mourning for the deceased, the state government has decided to cancel all official festivals including the Shillong Cherry Blossom festival.
He also announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs5 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased. The state Cabinet would meet on Tuesday to decide on the next course of action.
“I appeal to all citizens of the state to pray for the departed souls and their families. I also appeal to our citizens to maintain peace and harmony in the state. The state government is taking all the necessary steps to ensure that law and order is maintained.