4 deaths in Assam-Meghalaya border violence, vehicle movement banned, internet blocked in Meghalaya

As many as four individuals were killed in a shooting incident early on Tuesday morning near the Assam-Meghalaya border in the West Karbi Anglong district. One of the four people killed in the shooting incident is an Assamese forest guard. Since the incident, Assamese citizens are prohibited from visiting Meghalaya till things are back to normal. At Jorabat, police officers are stopping every car going to Meghalaya.

According to information obtained, the Assam Forest Department's vigilant officers stopped a truck carrying illicit timber at about 3 AM in the West Karbi Anglong district's Moikrang. The truck carrying the timber attempted to flee the scene, but was eventually apprehended by a team from the forest department, who fired upon it and punctured one of its tyres.

While some others were able to flee, three persons were captured. The three people who had been detained were taken to Jirkideng. At around 5:00 AM, a police squad was dispatched to the scene to bring the truck carrying the timber after obtaining information. Just then, a sizable group of individuals from the Meghalayan side attacked the police and forest department officials present at the scene with sharp weapons.

Imdad Ali, the West Karbi Anglong district superintendent of police, told the media that the police team had to use force to defend themselves and to bring the situation under control since the mob was demanding the immed

iate release of the three people who had been detained. As a result, four people—including a forest guard—died.
According to West Karbi Anglong SP, "Three members of the Khasi community as well as a forest home guard died in the incident. Right now, the situation is under control" he added.

Bidya Singh Lekhte has been identified as the deceased forest ranger. Abhimanyu, another forest guard, suffered injuries in the incident. On the other hand, the Meghalaya side has claimed that Assam Police opened fire at villagers in the state's Jaintia Hills district's Mukroh Village, killing four and injured many more. Police have already begun their investigation while the situation in the vicinity is still tense.

In order to stop the dissemination of false information and hate speech, Meghalaya has also taken action by stopping mobile internet connectivity for 48 hours in seven of its districts. The districts are Ri-Bhoi, West Jaintia Hills , East Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills, Eastern West Khasi Hills and others.

Meanwhile, CM Conrad has requested an urgent meeting at the Meghalaya Secretariat. More information is awaited.