Tensions erupted along the Assam-Meghalaya border on Wednesday, a day after six people were killed in a clash after police intercepted a truck allegedly smuggling timber.
Meghalaya suspended mobile internet services in seven districts of the state for 48 hours following the clash. Meanwhile, Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma stated, “We have ordered a judicial investigation and have referred the matter to the CBI. The Superintendent of Police (SP) has been transferred and local police and forest officials have been placed under suspension.”
To avoid any untoward incidents, Assam Police set up barricades along the border and prohibited vehicles, including goods carriers and passenger vehicles, from entering Meghalaya except the ones with a Meghalaya registration plate, according to reports.
Following the clash, the Assam government announced a Rs 5 lakh grant for each of the people killed in the firing incident.
Meanwhile, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tyngsong, along with other ministers, will visit Mukroh village on Wednesday and meet with the deceased’s families. The chief minister also stated that grants would be provided to the deceased’s kin.
Clash Over Timber Smuggling
According to reports, an Assam Forest Department team intercepted the truck near the Meghalaya border in Moikrang in the West Karbi Anglong district around 3 a.m. The truck attempted to flee, resulting in a high-speed chase. Finally, the forest guards opened fire at the vehicle and punctured a tyre.
Three people were apprehended and brought to Jirikinding by forest guards: the truck driver, the handyman, and another person. The forest guards reported the incident to the Jirikinding police station and requested reinforcements.
According to reports, a senior police official, a large number of people from Meghalaya armed with weapons gathered at the site around 5 a.m. When the police team arrived at the location, they were forced to fire in self-defence, killing six people, including the forest guard.
Bidya Singh Lehte, the deceased forest guard, was identified, and another forest guard, Abhimanyu, was injured in the incident.