Meghalaya Capital Faces Series of Bomb Attacks, Security Heightened
Multiple Bomb Attacks Shake Shillong
File image of Directorate of Mineral Resources (DMR) office at Risa Colony (Photo: Indranil Bhattacharjee/Gmaps)
Shillong, Sept 18: A series of four bomb attacks targeting government and police facilities in Meghalaya's capital has raised alarms, leading to increased security protocols, according to officials.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries from these incidents that occurred between Wednesday night and early Thursday morning, although the identities of the attackers and their motives remain unclear.
The most recent attack took place early Thursday when assailants launched a petrol bomb at the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) in Laitumkhrah, igniting a fire on the premises. Firefighters were deployed to extinguish the flames.
Simultaneously, a police booth in Nongmynsong was set ablaze by unidentified individuals. A woman passing by alerted the Nongmynsong Police Outpost around 3:50 am, prompting a swift response from the Fire and Emergency Services, who managed to control the fire, although the booth was completely destroyed.
“Initial investigations suggest that a tyre may have been used to start the fire at the police booth. Efforts are underway to track down those responsible for this act of arson,” stated a police official.
Earlier on Wednesday night, a petrol bomb was thrown at the Lumdiengjri Police Station, causing minor damage to the officer-in-charge's office.
Additionally, a petrol bomb attack occurred at the Directorate of Mineral Resources (DMR) office in Risa Colony on Wednesday evening, damaging a private vehicle belonging to a DMR employee. Local residents were able to extinguish the fire before it spread further.
“We are thoroughly investigating all incidents and have heightened security measures,” a senior police officer confirmed.
Authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage and other evidence to identify the attackers and understand their motives behind these assaults.
The recent spate of attacks has prompted enhanced security around government and police facilities throughout Shillong, officials noted.