Assam police created mayhem among border residents of Meghalaya , says CM Conrad Sangma
TNT News | September 26, 2018
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday admitted that the mayhem in border villages of West Khasi Hills which resulted in the exodus of 150 villagers on September 8 was created by Assam police not following protocols within the state of Meghalaya.
Replying to the Zero Hour notice moved by Mawphlang MLA SK Sunn who sought clarification on the news items relating to the mass exodus of residents from their villagers, Conrad K Sangma said that the Assam Police did not follow protocol in dealing with the issue as there was no prior intimation on their part regarding the inspection of the mentioned area while adding that they randomly went to the villages without prior intimation to their counterpart and created mayhem and fear psychosis among the general public.
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Explaining the details of the September 8 case on the fourth day of the 10th Meghalaya Assembly today,the CM said on September 8, 2018 at around 4 pm, 8 Assam officials in three vehicles visited Huhupara village for inspection and measurement of the road constructed by Meghalaya Government under PMGSY scheme. Reportedly on seeing the move made by Assam police, the villagers offered stif resistance and opposition which led to an argument between them as the villagers claimed that the area falls under Meghalaya. Subsequently the Assam officials were compelled to leave the village without conducting any measurement of the said road.
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Later the Assam officials reported the matter to Boko police alleging assault by the people of Malangkona village while they were performing their official duty at Huhupara village. Subsequently a case was registered by Boko police in this regard.
At present the people of Malangkona who are living along the inter state border are in a state of fear, panic and insecurity on account of the above activities by Assam officials and Assam police. In order to ensure security to the local people and as a preventive measure from any future activities of Assam Government in the area, One section of SF-10 Personnel are being deputed to be stationed at Malangkona and Sildubi and the Superintendent of Police (SP) WKH District has also personally visited Malangkona on September 8 and halted on September 9 to assess the situation.
It is also to be mentioned that prior to the above incident, Meghalaya Home Minister James K Sangma who was on a visit to Malangkona area had given assurance to the public that the state govt would soon open up a new police Outpost at Malangkona.
After necessary verification, it was ascertained that Boko police, Assam had arrested 5 persons from Malangkona areas who were alleged to be involved in the assault incident that took place on September 8. Reportedly, Assam police also named 5 more persons who were alleged trouble mongers in the area.
Subsequently on September 9, the in charge of aradonga outpost received a joint FIR from three perseons in Malangkona area to the effect that on Sep 8 evening, Assam officials physically attacked the Malangkona villagers and threatened them with dire consequences when the villagers tries to prevent the officials from inspection duty in Meghalaya area.
On receipt of the FIR, a case vide Mawshynrut was registered and one named accused was arrested on the night of Sep 9.
Further, when an enquiry was held to verify the news report in a certain newspaper that mentioned the occurrence of the event dated September 19 under the caption, "600 Meghalaya villagers flee homes" and another leading daily that reported the incident on September 20 under the caption, "West Khasi Hills cops downplay border dispute", it was found that although the reportage was factual to a certain extent, not 600 villagers but 150 people fled their village.
Out of the 150 people, 125 are still camping art Christ King School, Malangkona whereas 25 are staying in their relatives' houses at Sildubi and Malangkona despite all efforts made by the District Administration to convince them to return back home.
Meghalaya Chief Minister also states that during the process of investigation of the above noted case, Assam Police did not follow protocol before causing arrest of accused in the above case within the territorial jurisdiction of Meghalaya. They randomly went to the villages without prior intimation to their counterpart and created mayhem and fear psychosis among the general public.
The CM also assured that the law and order situation in Malangkona area is under control and the situation is under close watch.
