ASSAM-MEGHALAYA: Internet services are shut down after six persons including one Assam forest official were killed in firing in Mukroh in West Jaintia Hills on the Assam-Meghalaya border in West Karbi Anglong district in the early hours of Tuesday (November 22) after a truck transporting illegal timber was intercepted an official said.

As per a notification issued by the Home (Police) Department of Meghalaya government, the internet services were shut down since 10:30 AM today. In order to prevent the misuse of media (WhatsApp and social media like Facebook Twitter, YouTube etc) to disturb peace and tranquility in the state of Meghalaya and for maintaining law and order, CVD Diengdoh, Secretary to the Home (Police) Department, Meghalaya, has brought this notification into effect.

The CM confirming the attack said – “The injured have been rushed to hospital and an inquest is being conducted. An FIR has been registered by Meghalaya police”.

Following the incident, the Assam police sounded an alert in all the districts bordering Meghalaya to thwart any possible law and order situation.

The Assam forest department team intercepted and stopped the truck at Mukru area carrying the illegal timber towards West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya at around 3 am, West Karbi Anglong superintendent of police Imdad Ali said pressing media reporters.

As the truck tried to flee, the forest guards fired at it and deflated a tyre. The vehicles driver and handyman and another person were then apprehended, though others managed to escape, he added.