Shillong, October 19: A series of suspected arson incidents, including the alleged hurling of a petrol bomb at a fast-food outlet, the burning of a scooter in Mawbah and a suspected attempt to set a Durga Puja pandal ablaze at Kenches Trace, have raised concerns over security in Shillong during the ongoing Durga Puja festivities.
According to reports, unidentified miscreants allegedly hurled a petrol bomb at a fast-food shop in Mawbah on Saturday night. However, the petrol bomb reportedly failed to explode after becoming entangled in overhead cable wires.
Barely 10 to 15 minutes later, a scooter parked along the roadside on the stretch connecting Mawbah to Lower Mawprem was allegedly set ablaze by unidentified persons. The scooter, reportedly belonging to Rameshwar Prasad, was completely gutted in the fire.
Police have launched an investigation into the incidents to establish the circumstances and identify those responsible.
In another incident, suspected signs of an attempt to set fire to a Durga Puja pandal were discovered at Kenches Trace, opposite the Circuit House, in the early hours of October 19.
According to information received, the suspected incident occurred at around 3 am on Monday. Police personnel and magistrates reportedly visited the site to conduct an inspection, while an FIR was lodged at the Rilbong Police Outpost.
Meanwhile, the Central Puja Committee has written to Meghalaya Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahmed, requesting adequate security arrangements at all Puja pandals across Shillong.
The committee urged the State Government to deploy sufficient security personnel to ensure that members of the Hindu community could observe Durga Puja peacefully and without disruption.
Reacting to the incidents in Mawbah, the BJP 18-West Mandal, Shillong, strongly condemned the alleged petrol bomb attack on the fast-food outlet and the burning of the scooter.
In a press statement issued by Mike Pakynteiñ on behalf of the Mandal, the party described the incidents as disturbing acts of violence, intimidation and destruction of property that had no place in a peaceful and harmonious society.
The Mandal expressed particular concern over the timing of the incidents during Durga Puja, a festival symbolising the triumph of good over evil and promoting unity, faith and communal harmony.
It also raised concerns over the safety and security of residents and business establishments in Mawbah and expressed solidarity with those affected.
The BJP 18-West Mandal urged the Meghalaya Police to conduct a thorough, impartial and time-bound investigation into the incidents, identify those responsible and take stringent legal action against the perpetrators.
The Mandal also appealed to the authorities to strengthen security measures in the locality to prevent further untoward incidents during the festive season.
Calling for calm, the party urged members of the public to refrain from spreading rumours and to cooperate with the police in maintaining peace and public order.
It stressed that such incidents should not be allowed to create fear, provoke tensions or disturb the communal harmony that Shillong and Meghalaya have long cherished.
The incidents have prompted calls for heightened vigilance and stronger security arrangements to ensure that the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations are conducted peacefully.
