Shillong, October 21: Three incidents of petrol bomb attacks were reported in different parts of Shillong, including Kench’s Trace, Keating Road and Laitumkhrah, prompting police to intensify security measures and launch investigations to identify those responsible.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem confirmed on Wednesday that petrol bombs had been hurled at three locations in the city, but said no casualties or major damage had been reported. Speaking to media persons, Syiem said police were examining CCTV footage collected from the affected areas to establish the circumstances surrounding the incidents and identify the perpetrators. He further informed that police patrolling and security arrangements had been strengthened across Shillong following the attacks.
In one of the incidents, unidentified miscreants allegedly hurled a petrol bomb at a shop located opposite Laitumkhrah Market (Iew Shillong) in the early hours of Wednesday, causing damage estimated at approximately Rs 20,000. According to reports, the incident occurred at around 1:30 am on October 21, when a petrol bomb was thrown at a shop operated by P.N. Rai. The front portion of the establishment caught fire briefly, resulting in damage to the property. Rai, who was reportedly in Guwahati at the time, came to know about the attack after being informed by his employees.
Meanwhile, the Laitumkhrah Dorbar Shnong Pyllun strongly condemned the petrol bomb attack on two food outlets owned by Sngurtimai B. Wahlang and rented to Parmanand Rai and Pramod Kumar. In a statement jointly signed by Rangbah Shnongs Andrew Dkhar and P.S. Nongkynrih, along with Secretary Keith Kharshiing, the Dorbar Shnong stated that the incident occurred between 1:10 am and 1:15 am on October 21.
The Dorbar Shnong said the property owner and local authorities were alerted to the incident by patrolling police personnel and employees of Burger King, Laitumkhrah. It expressed appreciation to the police personnel on duty and the Burger King employees for their prompt intervention in extinguishing the fire before it could spread and cause further damage or endanger the lives of residents living in the building and surrounding areas.
Condemning the attack as a criminal and antisocial act, the Dorbar Shnong said such incidents targeting private property were unacceptable and posed a threat to peace and security in the locality. The Dorbar Shnong also appealed to those responsible to refrain from acts of violence and urged everyone to maintain peace and harmony in the area.
Meanwhile, police are continuing their investigation into the three petrol bomb incidents at Kench’s Trace, Keating Road and Laitumkhrah. The identity of those involved and the motives behind the attacks remain unknown.
