Petrol bomb attacks happen from time to time, says Tynsong
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 1: The capital city’s fragile law and order is on the verge of collapse but the government is in no mood to accept the reality. A series of petrol bomb attacks were reported in the city throughout April and the trend continues with residents of the city waking up on the first day of May to the news of yet another series of petrol bomb attacks on police and government establishments.
The government has been quick to dismiss any breakdown of law and order, arguing that petrol bomb attacks happen from time to time.
The targeted attacks on government buildings and police stations in Shillong, particularly the recent attack on Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar’s residence, has had no effect on the government as was evident from Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong’s assertion that “such incidents do occur from time to time” and there was no indication of any breakdown in law and order in the city.
“My request is be cool and calm. You cannot say law and order has totally broken down. Incidents like these occur from time to time but we will make sure people are safe and secure,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
The statement came just hours after the miscreants had hurled petrol bombs in Rynjah and Sadar police stations besides the office of Meghalaya Government Construction Corporation (MGCC) at Kench’s Trace.
The attack at the MGCC office was carried out at around 1 am on Wednesday, followed by two similar attacks at the Rynjah and Sadar police stations at 2:40 am and 2:50 am respectively.
The petrol bomb, lobbed at the Sadar police station parking area from across the boundary wall, did not explode. In all these incidents, no damages were reported.
Tynsong, who is also the in-charge of Home department, said instructions have been issued to Director General of Police LR Bishnoi to be on the ground and make sure such incidents do not recur.
Asked if the attacks are linked to the arrest of some members of the KSU, he said the police strictly follow all regulations before arresting anyone. Whether they are from the KSU or not, the law will take its own course, he added.
“Ultimately, investigation starts and thereafter, the matter goes to the court. Let the court decide,” Tynsong said.
At the same time however, he said he does not think the petrol bomb attacks were being carried out because of the arrest of the KSU members. He said the KSU leaders are mature.
He said the government will not allow such things to happen and ensure that law prevails and there is no breakdown of the law-and-order situation.
Asked why no arrest has been made yet in connection with the incidents, he said the police are on the job. He categorically stated that the matter should be left to the police.
He said the government will not allow anybody to take law into his hands. An advisory has been issued to government employees to be cautious and keep their properties and vehicles safe, he said.
Stating that security will be tightened in Shillong, he said the government is examining the idea of bringing in additional forces.
Earlier in the day, the government directed the heads of all departments to keep their offices and vehicles under safe custody.
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner SC Sadhu said he is coordinating with Superintendent of Police Rituraj Ravi to ensure the protection of vital installations.
“We are devising a plan so that the government buildings are protected. We are discussing what action we need to initiate in terms of identifying the culprits,” he said.
Ravi said cases have been registered and investigation is under progress.
Two vehicles were damaged on Tuesday when the miscreants lobbed petrol bombs inside the police reserve compound in Jowai. Earlier on April 3, a vehicle was damaged at a police station at Mawlai in a similar attack.
A petrol bomb was hurled on the escort of NEEPCO Director (Personnel) Maj Gen (retired) RK Jha at Demthring on April 25.
Another petrol bomb was hurled at the residence of Deputy CM, Sniawbhalang Dhar at Nongmensong locality on April 26.
Last month, the police arrested three members of the KSU for their alleged involvement in the murder of two labourers at Ichamati on March 27.
Another migrant labourer was beaten to death by the miscreants in Mawlai Mawroh on April 10. Later, the police arrested a KSU member in connection with the incident.