SHILLONG, June 26: Two BSF personnel and two civilians were injured in a scuffle between the border force and locals at Umsyiem near Dawki on Sunday.
There are contradictory reports emerging from the place of occurrence. While locals claim that a mob resorted to stone pelting after some BSF personnel, in an inebriated state, attacked passersby in the area. On the other hand, the BSF has claimed that the clash broke out after the troops seized two vehicles loaded with sarees worth over Rs 50,000, suspected to have been smuggled from Bangladesh.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday said the clash erupted after some “smugglers” were caught and their products were seized.
The CM said as per the initial report the locals resorted to stone pelting and BSF personnel fired four rounds in the air in retaliation.
He also said that the situation is under control and the government is keeping a close watch on the situation.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home, Prestone Tynsong confirmed that four people were injured and they were released on Sunday night itself after medical formalities.
Informing that he has instructed the West Jaintia Hills SP to inquire into the matter, Tynsong said the government is awaiting filing of FIR by either the BSF or the locals.
He also said he would convene a meeting with the BSF IG to press upon him to inform the locals before conducting any operation in the border areas.
DGP Lajja Ram Bishnoi said he would request the BSF to cooperate with the police and locals during such operations.
