Assam continues to 'restrict' movement of people to Meghalaya; net services suspension extended

Barricades have been erected since Tuesday in Jorabat area of Guwahati and Cachar district, the two main entry points to the hill state

Protests continued in Shillong even on Saturday against the killing of six persons by Assam police on November 22. The mobile internet remained curtailed and movement of small vehicles from Assam did not become normal.

A crowd gathered in front of the residence of Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma on Saturday and alleged that the NPP-led government failed to maintain law and order and protect people living along the disputed areas bordering Assam.

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Police in Meghalaya said the ban on mobile internet was extended till Sunday in order to prevent use of social media platforms to spread tension. Many students from Assam returned from Shillong on Saturday fearing attack even as police stated that the situation was peaceful and under control. Additional central security forces (CRPF and SSB) were deployed in Shillong, Jowai and Ri-Bhoi in order to ensure security for those from Assam.

Tension gripped Shillong soon after five residents of Mukroh village in West Jaintia Hills district and a home guard of Assam died on November 22 in firing by a team of Assam police and forest guards. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma had said the police fired after the locals tried to attack them following interception of a vehicle illegally transporting timber from neighbouring West Karbi Anglong district in Assam. Meghalaya CM, however, called it an unprovoked firing and "excess use of power" by the Assam forces.

The Centre agreed for a CBI inquiry after CMs of both Meghalaya and Assam sought the same.

The North East Students' Organisation (NESO) on Saturday condemned the firing incident and alleged that the border areas were witnessing similar violence due to failure of the state governments and the Centre to resolve the long border disputes.

Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma on Thursday said that the ongoing talks with Assam government to resolve the border disputes hit a hurdle due to the Mukroh firing. He sought the Centre's intervention to remove the hurdles.

Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum on Friday alerted the government as well as the protesters that the ongoing tension could seriously impact tourism that gives Meghalaya highest employment.