Meghalaya government has on Tuesday evening announced the cancellation of all official festivals, including the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2022, which was to begin on 24 November.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said the decision was taken “as a mark of respect and mourning for the deceased”, who lost their lives in the morning’s incident at the Assam-Meghalaya border village of Mukroh.
This year’s edition of the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival was expected to be the biggest since its launch with international and national stars such as Magic, HRVY, Jonas Blue, Hybrid Theory (The Linkin Park Tribute Band) and many more set to take the stage on the 3-day event this week.
Most hotels in Shillong and the surrounding areas are reported to be fully booked for the festival.
Read more: Assam police and forest guards “entered Meghalaya and resorted to unprovoked firing”: Conrad Sangma
Meghalaya Home Dept orders suspension of internet services in 7 districts
4, including a forest guard, killed in violence at Assam-Meghalaya border
CM Sangma, after an emergency meeting, also said the Meghalaya Government will approach the Union Home Minister Amit Shah to voice its concerns following the incident at Mukroh.
According to him, the incident occurred entirely within Meghalaya and a FIR has been submitted. Sangma also disclosed that the tragedy claimed the lives of six people and critically injured another two.
The Meghalaya CM also said he had spoken to Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and that the latter had assured help.
Meanwhile, the Assam CM announced 5 lakh ex-gratia to all the six individuals who died in the incident.
