SHILLONG: Meghalaya capital finds itself embroiled in a worrisome surge of violence as two more police stations and a government establishment fell victim to petrol bomb attacks in the early hours of Wednesday.
The targeted sites included Shillong Sadar Police Station, Rynjah Police Station, and the office of the Meghalaya Government Construction Corporation (MGCC) in Kench Trace.
Emerging reports indicate that the coordinated attacks unfolded between the hours of 1:00 and 2:00 am.
However, despite the severity of the incidents, the Police Department is yet to issue an official statement regarding the damages incurred or any injuries sustained during the attacks.
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Amidst the escalating unrest in Shillong, a separate incident of vandalism was reported from Jowai in West Jaintia Hills district.
In the early hours of Tuesday, a private vehicle belonging to one Jrom Lyngdoh, a mechanic at the MT branch Police Reserve, was set ablaze in the district headquarters.
The targeted vehicle was completely engulfed in flames, the local press reported.
Further worsening the situation, miscreants attempted to ignite a bus belonging to the 3rd Meghalaya Police Battalion, parked near the district jail road.
Fortunately, swift intervention by vigilant security personnel stationed at the Police Reserve office thwarted the attempt, preventing additional damage to the targeted bus.
These incidents add to the alarming trend of petrol bomb attacks and vandalism plaguing the state, with five incidents of petrol bomb attacks reported in the past month alone.
Despite the escalating frequency of attacks, authorities have yet to arrest any suspects linked to these acts, leaving residents and officials alike on edge amidst the prevailing uncertainty.
ALSO READ Deputy Chief Minister urges dialogue amidst rising petrol bomb incidents in Shillong
Earlier on April 28, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong responded to the concerning increase in petrol bomb attacks targeting legislators and government officials in Shillong.
He urged “disgruntled” groups and individuals to prioritise dialogue over violence for conflict resolution.
Tynsong appealed to all citizens of the state to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, as reported by a Shillong-based daily.
