6 persons were killed in a firing incident at the Assam-Meghalaya Border which heated the situation; Meghalaya bans the internet for 48 hours and cancels all festivals; Assam citizens were advised not to visit Meghalaya.
In the wee hours on November 22, 2022, a firing incident was reported near the Assam Meghalaya border in West Karbi Anglong district where at least six people died creating a tense situation along the border.
Five out of the six were from Meghalaya according to media reports, while one has been identified as a forest home guard official of Assam.
Talking to the media, West Karbi Anglong Superintendent of Police (SP) Imdad Ali said that a truck carrying illegal timber was being stopped at the Assam-Meghalaya border by Forest Officials. The truck which was en route towards Meghalaya did not stop. As a result, the forest patrol party had to open fire in order to stop the vehicle. Shots were fired at the tyres of the truck in order to stop the vehicle. The accused were then taken to Makoilom Outpost in West Karbi Anglong district.
Reinforcements were sent to the outpost from Jirikinding Police Station. After a few hours, local people gathered outside the Makoilom Police Outpost and demanded the release of the three persons from Meghalaya who were in police custody.
The group of people were armed with weapons in the form of axes, knives, sticks etc., claimed the police. As the group of people were growing restless and provocative, the police and forest officials were cornered and had to open fire in their defence. As a result, five people from Meghalaya and one forest official of Assam died in the incident, said the SP according to the media.
The situation later compelled authorities to take precautionary measures. Meghalaya banned the internet for 48 hours. The state also cancelled all upcoming festivals. Assam advised its citizens to avoid going to Shillong or any other district in Meghalaya.
A police official from the East police district said that they have been ordered to advice the citizens to avoid going to Meghalaya.
In a tweet 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.”
In an unfortunate incident that occurred at Mukroh village in West Jaiñtia Hills District, 6 persons died due to firing by Assam Police and Assam Forest Guards.
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) November 22, 2022
Out of the 6, 5 were Meghalaya residents & 1 is from the Assam Forest Guard@narendramodi @AmitShah @himantabiswa pic.twitter.com/KVZSYMksCz