Assam Police
Six persons, including one Assam Forest Guard, killed in firing incident in Meghalaya's West Jaintia Hills
Guwahati: At least six people, including five from Meghalaya and one Assam Forest Guard, were killed in a firing incident that took place at Mukroh area in Meghalaya's West Jaintia Hills district on Tuesday.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said in an unfortunate incident that occurred at Mukroh village in West Jaintia Hills district, 6 persons died due to firing by Assam Police and Assam Forest Guards.
"Out of the 6 deceased individuals, 5 were Meghalaya residents and 1 is from the Assam Forest Guard. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased," he said.
The deceased persons from Meghalaya were identified as Thal Shadap, Nikhasi Dhar, Sik Talang, Tal Nartiang and Chirup Sumer.
The Meghalaya Chief Minister said as per the reports, a truck carrying timber was pursued by the Assam forest guards with the Assam Police and was detained by the Assam Police and Assam Forest Guards.
On hearing this, people from Mukoh village gathered in large numbers and surrounded the Assam Police and forest guards and the Assam police-forest personnel fired at the people.
"The Meghalaya Government strongly condemns the incident where the Assam Police and Assam Forest Guards entered Meghalaya and resorted to unprovoked firing. The Government of Meghalaya will take all steps to ensure that justice is served and action is taken against those responsible in this inhuman act," Conrad Sangma said.
The Meghalaya Chief Minister also 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.
State Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui has reached the spot of the incident and FIR has been registered by the Meghalaya Police.
The Meghalaya Chief Minister also said that, an ex gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh each will be released to the next of kin the deceased individuals.
"The Cabinet will sit today to decide on the next course of action which the Government will take with regards to this incident. We also had a meeting with traditional heads, Rangbah Shnongs and religious leaders, members of Civil Society and NGOs to discuss, inform and appeal for their support to stand together in these difficult times. 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," Conrad Sangma said.
On the other hand, Meghalaya government has suspended the mobile internet services in 7 districts for 48 hours from November 22 onwards, following the firing incident in Mukoh.
Internet suspended in districts including West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, Eastern West Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills.
(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
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