GUWAHATI: In a sensational incident along the Assam-Meghalaya border in West Karbi Anglong district, as many as four people were killed in a firing incident in the wee hours of Tuesday morning.
The four killed in the firing incident includes a forest guard from Assam. Following the incident, people from Assam are being barred from travelling to Meghalaya till the situation returns to normal. Police personnel are stopping all vehicles headed for Meghalaya at Jorabat.
As per information received, Assam Forest Department maintaining vigil intercepted a truck at Moikrang of West Karbi Anglong district about 3.00 AM which was transporting illegal timber. However, the timber-laden truck tried to flee from the scene but later got caught by the forest department team who fired upon the vehicle and punctured one of its tyres.
Three people were apprehended while some others managed to escape. The arrested trio were brought to Jirkideng. On receiving inputs, a police team arrived at the location to bring the timber-laden truck at about 5.00 AM in the morning. Just then, a huge number of people from the Meghalaya side armed with sharp weapons gheraoed the police and forest department officials at the spot.
Talking to the media, Superintendent of Police of West Karbi Anglong district Imdad Ali said that the mob demanded the immediate release of the three arrested and the police team had to resort to firing in self-defence and to bring the situation under control. This led to the death of four persons including a forest guard.
The West Karbi Anglong SP said, "A forest home guard and three persons of the Khasi community were killed in the incident. The situation is under control now."
The deceased forest guard has been identified as Bidya Singh Lekhte. Another forest guard identified as Abhimanyu was injured in the incident.
On the other hand, the Meghalaya side has alleged that Assam Police opened fire at locals killing four and injuring many others at Mukroh Village within Jaintia Hills district of the state.
Meanwhile, the area continues to remain tense and a police team has already started its investigation.
Meghalaya has also taken action, suspending Mobile internet sservice in 7 districts of Meghalaya for 48 hrs to prevent the spread of misinformation and hate speech. The districts are Ri-Bhoi, West Jaintiya Hills , East Jaintiya Hills, East Khasi Hills, Eastern West Khasi Hills and others
CM Conrad, meanwhile, has called for an emergency meeting in Meghalaya Secretariat. Further details are awaited.
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