Shillong petrol bomb attacks: Meghalaya seeks more forces

Meghalaya has asked for additional security forces after a series of petrol bomb and arson incidents in Shillong, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who holds the Home and Police portfolio, said on Thursday, October 22.

What the government said

Tynsong said review meetings had been held and the district administration was taking steps to prevent further incidents. He warned of strict action against those responsible, and asked government offices to strengthen CCTV surveillance and park official vehicles and other assets in secure places.

He said, however, that it was too early to blame any particular group or organisation.

Attack on ED office

The latest incident took place at about 12.05 am on Thursday. Two masked people on a scooter without a number plate allegedly threw a petrol bomb at the Enforcement Directorate office in Langkyrding Mihngi, also known as Shyiap. There was no major damage and no one was hurt, and the security guard reportedly noticed it only in the morning, Northeast Live reported.

Earlier incidents

On October 20, police reported three separate petrol bomb incidents in the city:

• an attempt to set fire to the welcome gate of the Kench's Trace Puja Committee in Laban
• an incendiary object thrown by two people on a scooter into the premises of the Directorate of Employment and Craftsmen Training on Keating Road
• a suspected petrol bomb thrown at a shop in Laitumkhrah

Separately, an object thrown near a momo stall reportedly left an abandoned scooter partly burnt, which police are also investigating.

Police response

East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said police had stepped up night patrols and surveillance and set up checkpoints across the city.

No arrests had been reported in connection with the October incidents as of Thursday. Police are trying to identify those responsible and establish whether the attacks are linked or share a common motive.

Why it matters

The incidents have targeted a mix of government offices, a puja committee and shops in busy parts of the capital during the festive season. The request for extra forces reflects the government's concern over the run of attacks.