According to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the shooting incident that occurred during a fight between Meghalaya villagers and an Assam detachment of police and forest guards had nothing to do with the two states’ border issue.
During a media interaction, Sarma said “To clarify, the event had nothing to do with border, contrary to what has been reported in national media. It was essentially a conflict between locals and police over some forest timbers.”
Sarma further stated “The issue was connected to a timber clash, and we ordered a court probe as well as sent the subject to CBI or NIA for investigation. Compensation has been announced, and individual responsible has been suspended.”
When questioned if the event will undermine ongoing border dispute settlement discussions, he underlined that it has nothing to do with borders.
Meanwhile, Assam government has awarded a Rs 5 lakh award to the next of kin of six people killed in the shooting incident.
Earlier on Tuesday, six people were killed in cross-border gunfire in Mukroh, West Jaintia Hills, including one Assam forest official.
