Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday said the blank firing by the BSF was to disperse the crowd.
Speaking to media persons, Sangma said that the situation is under control and the government is keeping a close watch on the development.
He said that the incident, which took place last evening, was after some individuals involved in smuggling of certain products were caught following which a crowd had gathered and start pelting stones at the BSF personnel.
“And in retaliation to that, four rounds were fired in the air and not at the individuals. In the stone pelting incident, there were some commotion that took place and there were slight injuries to certain individuals but it was not because of bullets or not because of action from their side,” Sangma added.
He informed that the government has ordered inquiry into the matter. The chief minister said that the four rounds that were fired in the air was to disperse the crowd.
“As I said it was (related to) smuggling, a concern issue and material were seized and reaction was there from the people based on which stone pelting took place and to contain the situation this was done.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said the state Government will conduct an inquiry into the incident.
Talking to reporters, he said, the government has instructed the Superintendent of Police to look into the matter.
“We will do that, certainly we will do that. I have already instructed the Superintendent of Police and now we are waiting for the FIR , may be from the Public or the BSF, let them file FIR,” he told reporters.
“Four persons were injured (in the clash) – two BSF and two civilians; but they are all okay. They were taken to the Dawki PHC last evening and were discharged last night itself,” Tynsong said.
Asked about the incident, the Deputy Chief Minister said, “We are waiting for a detailed report on the matter. But from what I can understand, the BSF seized two vehicles carrying clothes; both cars were seized and taken to the BSF camps. The drivers and handymen of the vehicles escaped. After some time, one civilian vehicle approached the camp; a few personnel came out of the camp to talk to the people, leading to an argument between two parties.”