SHILLONG: Even as several cases of arson have been reported from different parts of the city in recent past, state Home Minister, James Sangma has asserted that the government will deal with such cases effectively and swiftly.
Speaking to media persons here on Thursday on the sidelines of the launching of the E –prison software at the Shillong District jail, James Sangma said that the Government was concerned not only about arson cases but any criminal case being reported in the state,
“We are stepping patrolling to ensure that such crimes come down and police are doing a good job,” the Home Minister said.
He, however, refused to comment if such arson cases are related to political rivalry or stray in nature saying such incidents are under investigation and the investigation should be allowed to complete its course.
It may be mentioned that West Shillong constituency for the past few months have witnessed a number of arson cases in which two wheelers, vehicles and even few shops were burnt forcing the local MLA Mohendro Rapsang to shot off a petition to the Home Minister.
On March 2, a motorcycle was set ablaze near Persara School and again on March 8, five private cars were vandalised in Upper Mawprem.
On March 10, four petrol bombs were thrown at residential houses in Upper Mawprem and seven days after on March 17, another motorcycle was burnt down at Kyrbom, Mawprem.
On April 4, miscreants hurled a petrol bomb inside the compound of one Gobind Upadhyay of Gorkha Samshan Ghat, Barapathar, and recently two tea shops, besides a tourist vehicle, were torched at Naspatighadi.
Apart from West Shillong constituency, the residence of The Shillong Times Editor, Patricia Mukhim was also attacked recently by miscreants who threw a kerosene bomb.
Similarly, few days back as many as three scooters and motorcycles were burnt in Rilbong and till date police have not been able to arrest even a single person involved in these arson cases.