SHILLONG: In response to the alarming surge in petrol bomb attacks targeting legislators and government officials in Shillong, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong has urged “disgruntled” groups and individuals to seek resolution through dialogue rather than resorting to violence.
“No solution would be obtained by throwing stones or petrol bombs. I appeal to each and every citizen of the state to refrain from taking the law into their hands,” Tynsong said, as reported by a Shillong-based daily.
Expressing the government’s readiness to address grievances through constructive dialogue, Tynsong urged discontented organisations not to disrupt peace and stability in the state. “Whatever issues may be there, we are ready to sit across the table and discuss,” he affirmed.
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The Deputy Chief Minister’s plea comes in the wake of three recent incidents of petrol bomb attacks targeting legislators and government officials within a span of 10 days in the state capital.
Assuring swift action, Tynsong stated, “We have already asked the DGP and the investigation is on. Let us see. We are on the job to find out the culprits,” regarding the ongoing investigations into the petrol bomb attacks.
Notably, these attacks occurred after the arrests of members of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) in connection with the triple murder of non-tribal individuals in Ichamati and Shillong’s Mawlai Mawroh.
The KSU had previously issued a stern warning to the government regarding potential disruptions to law and order if further detentions of its members persisted.
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In response to the warning, the East Khasi Hills district administration has been engaging with community leaders and traditional institutions to maintain peace and gather information on the cases.
The recent petrol bomb incident on April 26 targeted the residence of Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar in Nongmynsong.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, and the property sustained minimal damage.
This incident closely follows another petrol bomb attack on the car of the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) director in Madanrting on the evening of April 24.
The timing of this attack is significant, occurring shortly after Meghalaya police presented two arrested KSU members in court, linked to the aforementioned murders.
