6 killed in firing on Assam-Meghalaya border, internet suspended in 7 districts

Six people, including an Assam Forest official, were killed in firing at Mukroh in West Jaintia Hills on the border of Assam and Meghalaya. After this, Meghalaya has suspended mobile internet services for 48 hours in seven districts of the state. A notification issued by the Home (Police) Department of the Government of Meghalaya states that mobile internet/data services have been suspended in seven districts of Meghalaya from 10.30 am today. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma today confirmed that a total of six people, including five from Meghalaya and Assam forest guards, have died in the incident. The chief minister said, "The injured have been taken to the hospital and are being interrogated. An FIR has been registered by the Meghalaya police."

The notification issued today by the Government of Meghalaya said, "Report has been received from Police Headquarters, Meghalaya, Shillong that an untoward incident has taken place at Mukroh, West Jaintia Hills, Jowai, which is likely to disturb public peace and tranquility, and In West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, Eastern West Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills, there is a danger to public safety, which may lead to breakdown of law and order."

CVD Dengdoh, Secretary, Home (Police) Department, has promulgated this notification to prevent misuse of media (Whatsapp and social media like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube etc.) to disturb peace and to maintain law and order in the State of Meghalaya .

Telecom and social media services will remain closed in West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, Eastern West Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills districts of Meghalaya. The notification states that those violating the order will be punished under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and relevant provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. Detailed information about the incident is awaited.