‘Meghalaya and Assam have written to CBI to take over Mukroh firing case’

Shillong: Meghalaya deputy CM Prestone Tynsong on Thursday said the state government and the Assam administration have written to CBI, requesting it to take over the probe into last year’s Mukroh firing incident along the disputed border between the two northeastern states.The governments of Assam and Meghalaya had on September 30 decided to request the CBI to take over the investigation into the 2022 Mukroh violence, in which six people were killed, he said.“We have already written a letter. Assam has also done it,” Tynsong said when asked whether the probe into the Mukroh incident was handed over to CBI. “The ball is now in the CBI’s court,” he said.The firing incident took place on November 22 last year when the Assam Forest Protection Force fired on Mukroh villagers of Meghalaya after a truck allegedly laden with illegally felled timber was intercepted by them.PTI

NHRC receives over 40 police shootout cases from Assam in 5 years

The NHRC has received over 40 cases of police shootouts in custody in Assam in the last five years. Justice Mishra stated that they are examining each case and ordering compensation where guidelines were violated. The NHRC has also asked the states to submit action-taken reports on various advisories regarding mental health, police encounters, bonded labour, and other issues. The commission emphasized the need for infrastructure for State Human Rights Commissions and the filling of vacant posts. The NHRC held a national conference on advancing human rights through local-self governments to raise awareness on their role.

Two separate fire incidents reported in Thane, no injuries reported

Two separate fire incidents occurred in Thane city, but there were no casualties or injuries. The first incident took place in Yadav apartment in the Amrut nagar area, where a fire broke out in a second-floor apartment. The fire brigade was alerted, and the fire was extinguished, though some furniture was charred. In the second incident, a switchboard in a high-rise building caught a minor fire on the fifth floor. The fire brigade and building security quickly responded, extinguished the fire, and temporarily cut off power supply for safety.

Special forces of India, US kicks off drill in Meghalaya

India and the US have commenced the Vajra Prahar combat exercise in Meghalaya. The exercise aims to enhance military interoperability between the two countries' elite special forces. It involves joint planning and execution of special operations, counter-terrorism, and air-borne drills in mountainous terrain. The US has deployed personnel from the 1st Special Forces Group, while the Indian team is led by Para (Special Forces) commandos. This is the 14th edition of the exercise, which focuses on sharing best practices, enhancing interoperability, and strengthening defence cooperation.