Shillong Petrol Bomb Attacks: Tynsong Says Law Is Closing In on Attackers, More Forces Coming

Shillong has seen four petrol bomb attacks in just two days, and the Meghalaya government says it is treating the pattern as a direct challenge to law and order in the capital. Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who holds the Home (Police) portfolio, told reporters on Thursday that the hunt for the attackers is already under way.

Four Petrol Bomb Attacks in Two Days in Shillong

Tynsong said the attacks were part of a run of arson and criminal incidents troubling the city almost every night. "These arson, petrol bomb and criminal activities which are happening every day or every night, the law is after them," he said, adding that the government wants tough action against anything that disturbs peace in Shillong.

A review meeting on the situation was held on Thursday, and Tynsong said the district administration is actively working the case. "The law is following them very closely. We have again had a meeting and today also a review meeting was held. The district administration is on the job," he said.

Offices Around Shillong Asked to Step Up Vigil

Government offices in and around the city have been told to tighten their own security. Tynsong said establishments have been instructed to stay alert, get CCTV coverage in place and make sure government vehicles and property are parked only where they are safe from such attacks.

No One Involved Will Be Spared, Says Deputy CM

Tynsong was blunt about the outcome he expects. "As far as government is concerned, we are determined to find out and also the law will always be after them and we will not spare anybody once it is found that they did this kind of illegal and criminal activities," he said.

Asked whether an organised group or an NGO opposed to the government could be behind the attacks, he said it was too early to say. The incidents, he pointed out, happened at scattered spots, which suggests individual criminals or a small group rather than a coordinated campaign. "I will not be able to tell you exactly whether there is a group or whether there is any NGO who is against the government, but whoever commits these kinds of mischief or any kind of criminal activities, we are following them very closely," he said.

Extra Forces for Shillong Within Days

The state has also sought reinforcements. "We have asked for some more additional forces and within a few days we will get additional forces again to further strengthen security in Shillong," Tynsong said.