Shillong, Aug. 21 -- A government-appointed inquiry panel has confirmed that the August 9 intrusion by Bangladeshi nationals into Meghalaya's South West Khasi Hills district was made possible after a section of border fencing collapsed due to heavy rainfall in Khonjoy village.

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong had formed a three-member team-Himalaya M. Shangpliang (government advisor), Marthon J. Sangma (Mendipathar MLA), and Kitborlang Nongrem (Vice Chairman, Border Area Development Committee)-to investigate the incident.

The panel, after visiting Khonjoy B, Rongdangai, and Maheshkhola villages, reported that residents are living in fear of repeated cross-border threats.

"Villagers told us that...