Six killed in violence along Assam-Meghalaya border

Six people were killed in a clash between villagers of Meghalaya and Assam police personnel at the inter-state border in Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills district on Tuesday.

Confirming the casualties, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangama said the people died due to firing by Assam Police, reports The Times of India.

The Meghalaya government condemned the act of Assam Police and Assam forest guards entering Meghalaya and resorting to unprovoked firing, he said.

"As per reports, a truck carrying timber was pursued by Assam forest guards with Assam Police. Assam Police detained the truck at Mukroh village in West Jaintia Hills district,” Sangama said.

“One hearing this people from Mukroh village gathered in large numbers and surrounded Assam Police and Assam forest guards. This led to firing by Assam Police and five villagers from Meghalaya and one Assam forest guard were killed.”

The Meghalaya chief minister said four people died on the spot and two others succumbed to the injuries in the hospital, while an FIR has been registered by Meghalaya Police, according to The Times of India.

He said the state government has cancelled all festivals including the ongoing Cherry Blossom Festival as a mark of respect for the deceased. “I appeal to citizens of the state to maintain peace.”

Meanwhile, the Meghalaya government has suspended internet services in all its seven districts for the next 48 hours.

Hundreds of Meghalaya-bound tourists have been stranded on the Assam-Meghalaya border near Guwahati as Meghalaya Police have stopped all vehicles from entering the state.