SHILLONG, May 1: Three bomb scares in eight days in Shillong triggered full security responses, disrupted public movement, and highlighted the city’s preparedness as well as its growing vulnerability to repeated false alarms.
The first scare was reported on April 23 at Lumshatsngi, when an unattended bag found near a transformer sparked fears of an explosive device. Police and the bomb disposal squad rushed to the spot and declared the bag safe after inspection.
Another unattended bag, found outside a shop near the Laban Police Station, sparked fears. The area was immediately sealed, a dog squad pressed into service, and public movement temporarily halted. The object was later declared safe.
The discovery of yet another unattended bag near a traffic police booth at MES Point Demseiniong on April 30 triggered panic and disrupted traffic. The bomb disposal squad, accompanied by sniffer dogs, reached the site and conducted a thorough inspection. The bag was eventually found to contain only clothes.
While no explosives were recovered in any of the incidents, the back-to-back alerts put operational strain on security resources.
According to security sources, each response involves diverting trained personnel, restricting public movement, as well as managing public safety in real time, even when the threat later turns out to be non-existent. The incidents raised concerns about whether the repeated scares are part of a pattern aimed at creating fear.
Authorities maintained that no risks can be taken in the current security environment. At the same time, they acknowledged the public impact—temporary shutdowns, traffic congestion, and heightened anxiety in busy localities.
Officials urged people to remain alert but responsible, stressing that timely reporting by the public enabled quick action in all three cases. The officials called for greater public awareness to avoid leaving unattended items in public places, which can trigger unnecessary panic and strain emergency systems.
The scares underlined a clear reality for Shillong: preparedness is being tested not just by real threats, but by the frequency of false alarms that demand the same level of response.
