Assam Police didn�t follow protocol, arrested Meghalaya residents: Conrad

SHILLONG, Sept 26 - Chief Minister Conrad Sangma today said that the Assam Police �did not follow protocol� and arrested Meghalaya residents without intimation to their Meghalaya counterparts and caused �fear and mayhem� along the inter-State border recently.

Replying to a Call Attention Motion moved by Independent legislator SK Sunn in the Assembly, Sangma said around 150 people fled their homes at Malangkona in West Khasi Hills district and are still living in a relief camp out of fear. He said the incident occurred on September 8 when some Assam Government officials entered the area to conduct a survey. The villagers resisted them as the area is located in Meghalaya, Sangma added.

Thereafter, the Assam Government officials claimed that they were assaulted by the villagers and subsequently, a case was registered at the Boko Police Station following which Assam Police personnel entered the area and arrested five persons.

Later, the villagers of the area left their homes fearing more arrests. Meanwhile, a counter FIR has been filed and registered in Meghalaya and the State Government has deputed senior officials in the area, the Chief Minister informed the House.

Talks are also being held between police officials of the two States to defuse the tension. The State Government has deputed a unit of Special Force-10 and is also trying to set up a police outpost in the area.

Meanwhile, the district authorities are providing relief to the residents in the camp. �The law and order is now under control and the situation is being closely monitored,� Sangma said.