Nearly six persons including five from Meghalaya and one from Assam Forest Guard were killed in the firing incident that occurred at the Mukroh region along the Assam-Meghalaya border on Tuesday.
According to the Meghalaya Chief Minister – Conrad Sangma, the state police has registered a First Information Report (FIR) in the incident. These injured persons were rushed to the hospital.
Citing the incident, Sangma said, “Today, an unfortunate incident occurred at Mukroh village in which six persons died due to firing by Assam Police and Assam forest guards. I would like to express my deepest condolences. An inquest was conducted and FIR was registered by Meghalaya Police. As per the reports, a truck carrying timber was pursued by the Assam forest guards with the Assam Police and was detained by the state police and Assam Forest Guards. On hearing this, people from Mukroh village gathered in large numbers and surrounded the Assam Police and forest guards.”
The Meghalaya administration also suspended the mobile internet services in 7 districts for 48 hours from November 22 onwards, following the incident.
Internet services have been suspended in 7 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.
“Reports have been received from police headquarters, Meghalaya, Shillong that an untoward incident has occurred in Mukroh, West Jaintia Hills, Jowai. It has the potential to disturb public peace and tranquility, and cause a threat to public safety in West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, Eastern West Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills, which may likely breakdown law and order,” – reads the notification issued by the Meghalaya Government.
To prevent the misuse of media (WhatsApp and social media like Facebook Twitter, YouTube etc.), which might adversely impact the tranquility in Meghalaya and for maintaining law and order.
Taking to Twitter, the Meghalaya CM wrote “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. Out of the 6, 5 were Meghalaya residents & 1 is from the Assam Forest Guard. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased- Sh. Thal Shadap, Sh. Nikhasi Dhar, Sh.Sik Talang, Sh.Tal Nartiang, Sh. Chirup Sumer and the Assam Forest Guard. May these precious souls rest in peace.”
I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased- Sh. Thal Shadap, Sh. Nikhasi Dhar, Sh.Sik Talang, Sh.Tal Nartiang, Sh. Chirup Sumer and the Assam Forest Guard.
May these precious souls rest in peace.
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) November 22, 2022
“The Meghalaya Government strongly condemns the incident where the Assam Police & Assam Forest Guards entered Meghalaya & resorted to unprovoked firing. GoM will take all steps to ensure that justice is served & action is taken against those responsible in this inhuman act. As a mark of respect & mourning for the deceased, the State Govt has decided to cancel all official festivals including the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival Hon’ble Home Minister, @LahkmenR has reached the spot of the incident & FIR has been registered by the @MeghalayaPolice.”
As a mark of respect & mourning for the deceased, the State Govt has decided to cancel all official festivals including the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival
Hon’ble Home Minister, @LahkmenR has reached the spot of the incident & FIR has been registered by the @MeghalayaPolice.
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) November 22, 2022
“An ex gratia compensation of ₹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 & order is maintained.” – he added.
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. pic.twitter.com/jCz7pzxyjJ
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) November 22, 2022
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 & order is maintained. pic.twitter.com/LkdSGuHynG
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) November 22, 2022
The Secretary to the Home (Police) Department of Meghalaya – CVD Diengdoh, has promulgated this notification.
The notification reads that violators of the promulgation will be penalized under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and also the related provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. Further details into the matter is underway.
