Mistaken as militants, two civilians killed by Army in Meghalaya

Two persons including a schoolteacher, riding a motorcycle, were shot dead by the Army in Meghalaya's North Garo Hills district, an incident which the Army said took place because it mistook them as armed militants. Local schoolteacher Sweetbirth D Marak and Alphuis Momin, both residents of Rajasimla village, were returning home on a motorcycle last night when they were shot dead by army personnel at Kharkutta area, officials said on Thursday.

“We are awaiting details of the case from the police. Accordingly, a magisterial inquiry will be constituted,” district deputy commissioner S C Sadhu said. Kharkutta MLA Cherak W Momin, who reached the spot today morning, condemned the killing of the two “innocent people”. The Army, confirming the killing of the two civilians, said they were killed as they didn't stop after being asked to during counter-terrorist operations.