The death case involving five individuals from Meghalaya and one forest guard from Assam has been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation or CBI. The unfortunate incident occurred near the disputed border in the West Karbi Anglong district of Assam on November 22 in 2022, when Assam Forest department officials intercepted a truck allegedly transporting illegally felled timber.
According to Assam Police reports, a confrontation erupted between the forest guards and Assam policemen and a group from the Meghalaya side, prompting authorities to resort to firing to restore order.
Both the Meghalaya and Assam governments sought CBI intervention in February and March this year, respectively. Subsequently, the central agency re-filed two First Information Reports (FIRs) originally lodged by the Assam and Meghalaya Police.
The casualties included five individuals from Mukroh village in Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills district and one Assam forest guard.
However, the border clash investigation has encountered obstacles, with a committee formed by the Assam Government facing a lack of cooperation from the Meghalaya side.
Meghalaya contends that the Assam probe panel lacks jurisdiction over the incident, asserting that it falls within Meghalaya’s territorial bounds.
In March 2022, the two Northeastern States, alongside Union Home Minister Amit Shah, inked a deal to address disputes in six of these contested areas.
The border discord traces its roots back to January 21, 1972, following the Assam Reorganisation Act, 1971, which delineated Meghalaya from Assam, sparking disputes in 12 areas, with one section measuring 36.79 square kilometres becoming a focal point of contention.
