Meghalaya seeks independent probe on Langpih firing
By IANSMonday, May 17, 2010
SHILLONG - Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul M.Sangma Monday said he will lead an all-party delegation Tuesday to the disputed Langpih village at state’s border with Assam where four people where killed in police firing Friday, and also asked the central government to institute an independent inquiry into the incident.
“The cabinet has decided to urge the government of India to expedite an independent inquiry in a time bound manner by independent agencies such as CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) into the firing incident,” Sangma told reporters after chairing a marathon meeting over the firing incident with leaders of all parties leaders and NGOs.
He said the cabinet also asked the Assam government to take approprite action against those who opened fire and killed four Mizoram people.
Besides those killed, many were injured in the firing by Assam Police personnel at the disputed Langpih village on the Meghalaya-Assam border. The firing began after a clash between Nepalis and tribal Khasis and Garos at a weekly market.
The cabinet also ratified the government’s decision to post state police personnel at Langpih to instill confidence and provide a sense of security to the people living in the area.
“Our forces will continue to provide security at Langpih till a solution is found on the inter-state border dispute,” Sangma said.
The chief minister also announced an enhanced ex-gratia payment of Rs.3 lakh to the next of kin of those killed, and said the government will bear all medical expenditure of those people injured in the firing.
Langpih village, about 60 km from Guwahati in Assam and 140 km from Shillong, has been a bone of contention between Assam and Meghalaya. The area has often hit the headlines since the Assam government laid the cornerstone for a health centre in July 2008.
Assam claims Langpih based on the recommendations of the Y.V.Chandrachud committee report. Meghalaya has rejected the report.
A boundary committee headed by the chief secretaries of both states has been formed to amicably resolve the issue.
