GUWAHATI: Assam Police have picked up two persons for questioning in regard to an alleged attack on police personnel manning a border outpost in Langpih on the Kamrup-West Khasi Hills border and subsequent clash in which four policemen and at least six villagers were injured.
Police sources said that the “clash” took place after the residents were stopped by the border outpost personnel from setting up electric posts in the “disputed” area on Thursday.
“We came to know of a clash between police and residents over setting up of electric poles in the area this afternoon. Four police personnel were injured after the residents attacked them with catapults following which our men had to resort to lathicharge to control the attackers. Some villagers were also injured we have learnt,” Jogen Barman, officer-in-charge of Boko police station told The Shillong Times from the clash site on Thursday evening.
“The policemen were admitted to Boko community health centre for treatment. However, it is not yet known, how many villagers of Langpih were injured,” Barman said.
Langpih is a disputed area along the inter-state boundary.
According to reports, both the states have agreed to maintain status quo on the border while any developmental activity in the disputed areas should be taken up only after prior information and mutual discussion by the deputy commissioners.
Reportedly, areas in the village do not get electricity, which is why the villagers had tried to set up electric poles.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, West Khasi Hills superintendent of police, BJ Laloo said at least six persons, including women, from Meghalaya, were injured in the clash and subsequently admitted to Nonglang public health centre for preliminary treatment.
“We have learnt that a team from Dhar Construction Company, had gone to the village, Umwali, for setting up electric poles. The firm, which also looks after maintenance of MeECL power lines, had also engaged some villagers in the work. However, Assam Police came after they were informed by someone and tried to stop the work following which an agitated section pelted stones at them. A lathi-charge followed in which at least six villagers were injured. Some Assan police personne were also injured,” Laloo said.
“We are trying to gather more information but the phone network is very poor,” he added.