Police seek deployment of additional central forces
Shillong, Oct 23: Back to back attacks by unknown miscreants – fourth in 48 hours – at government establishments in Shillong has prompted the state police to seek deployment of additional central paramilitary forces at vulnerable spots.
Early Thursday morning, a petrol bomb was hurled by miscreants at the office of the Enforcement Directorate at Shyiap here. It fell on the steps leading to the building and caused damage to window panes. None was hurt in the incident.
The attack on the central agency’s premises follows several similar strikes targeting public sector properties and government offices throughout the city in recent weeks.
On Tuesday, three similar incidents of hurling petrol bombs took place at Kench’s Trace, Keating Road, Laitumkhrah. According to police, there was no casualty and no significant damage in the attacks.
Admitting that the attacks took place despite intensified checking by police, Superintendent of Police (City) Dangsan Khyriem said, “Despite our nakas and mobile and foot patrolling being conducted on a daily basis in all areas under Shillong city and outskirt of Shillong city, there was a petrol bomb attack as well yesterday in Langkyrding but there was no damage.”
The SP said patrolling as well as checking would be intensified further in the city
“We have also requisitioned central paramilitary forces,” he said.
The additional forces are likely to be deployed soon, he added.
In the meantime, he said, “We want to ensure and make sure that public is safe and law and order is stable.”
On investigation into the incidents of hurling petrol bombs, Khyriem said, “We are on the hunt for the miscreants who are behind all these petrol bombs.”
The SP said motive behind the attacks is yet to be ascertained.
“This is mainly the works of some miscreants who are trying to create law and order situation in the city. We are working hard and scrutinizing every footage and every clue and evidence. We hope that we will make a breakthrough in all these cases,” he said.
Police have registered a case and are examining CCTV footage and other evidence.
Meanwhile, police have urging members of the public to come forward with any credible information that could help identify and apprehend those responsible for the attacks.
Earlier, East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem denied any particular group taking responsibility, saying, “Right now no one has claimed who are behind these, but we will look on all these events and I think it is all very obvious but the whole purpose of the Puja is a question mark.”
He said 4-5 such incidents have occurred during the Puja.
On surveillance, Syiem said, “That process is on to cover each and every part of the city so that safety and security for all citizens, we have been enforcing that for offices, homestays, and to smart city.”
He added, “There are over 248 CCTVs in about 13 locations in Shillong.”
