5 Meghalaya villagers killed in border firing by Assam cops

Forest Guard From Assam Pursuing Truck Also Dies

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Guwahati: Five Meghalaya villagers were among six people killed in a clash early Tuesday between a mob and a contingent of police and forest guards from Assam in pursuit of a truck allegedly smuggling timber across the inter-state border. The deaths reignited a boundary dispute between the neighbours that was partially settled barely eight months ago.

Assam barred local vehicles and tourists from entering Meghalaya after a car registered in the state was torched in Shillong, 98km from Guwahati, late evening. Meghalaya blocked mobile internet in seven districts for 48 hours and cancelled all events, including the ongoing Cherry Blossom Festival, a mega music contest and a literary fest.

Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma accused Assam Police of entering his state along with forest guards and “resorting to unprovoked firing”. The BJP-led Assam government claimed the firing was “in self-defence”, mentioning that one of the casualties was a forest guard from the state.

Both states said the clash occurred in their territory. Assam claimed Mukroh village was part of West Karbi Anglong district while Meghalaya marked the hamlet as being within West Jaintia Hills. Both states set up inquiry commissions, besides calling for a “neutral” probe.