NONGPOH, July 31: A 28-year-old schoolteacher, Noreshor Timung, was allegedly apprehended and assaulted by officials of the Assam Forest Department in Umshalini village, Ri-Bhoi on Wednesday. After nabbing Timung, the Assam Forest personnel took him to Lokhra and physically assaulted him, causing severe injuries.
Family members and locals demanded his immediate release, but the Assam Forest staff and Assam Police ignored their pleas and physically manhandled some of the villagers during the confrontation.
Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun intervened and urged the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of Ri-Bhoi district to coordinate with their Assam counterparts for Timung’s release.
Following the district administration’s intervention, Timung was released on Wednesday night.
Sohtun expressed concern over recurring incidents along the interstate border, urging the Ri-Bhoi district authorities and the Meghalaya government to take the matter seriously and initiate formal dialogue with the Assam government to prevent future incidents.
