Shillong, Sept 18: Four back-to-back bomb and arson incidents targeting government and police establishments in Shillong between Wednesday evening and early Thursday prompted a security clampdown, police said. There were no casualties in any of the incidents, officials added.
Sequence of incidents
Police said the attacks began on Wednesday evening and continued into the early hours of Thursday. The incidents included petrol-bombing and deliberate setting of fires at government and police premises. Fire and Emergency Services teams were pressed into service to douse flames at two locations.
| Time frame | Location | Damage reported |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday evening | Directorate of Mineral Resources (DMR), Risa Colony | Private vehicle of a DMR employee damaged; local residents helped douse fire |
| Wednesday night | Lumdiengjri Police Station | Petrol bomb struck rear portion of officer-in-charge's room; minor damage |
| Early Thursday (around 3:50 am) | Nongmynsong Police Outpost (police booth) | Booth set on fire; could not be salvaged; no injuries |
| Early Thursday | Directorate of Health Services (DHS) campus, Laitumkhrah | Petrol bomb caused a fire on premises; extinguished by fire tenders |
What officials say
A senior police officer said security measures had been strengthened around government and police establishments across the city as investigations continued. Authorities are examining CCTV footage and other available evidence to identify the perpetrators and determine their motive.
“We are investigating all the incidents. Security measures have been tightened,” a senior police officer said.
In relation to the blaze at the Nongmynsong police booth, police indicated that a tyre may have been set on fire to initiate the conflagration and that the initial alert came from a female passerby who informed personnel at the outpost at about 3.50 am.
Immediate impact and response
Though there were no injuries, the attacks damaged property and created alarm among residents and public servants. Fire and Emergency Services personnel responded promptly to bring fires under control at the DHS campus and the Nongmynsong booth. Local residents at Risa Colony reportedly assisted in dousing a blaze that affected a private vehicle belonging to a DMR employee.
- No casualties have been reported in any of the four incidents.
- Property damage was limited to vehicle damage, minor structural impact at Lumdiengjri Police Station and destruction of the Nongmynsong police booth.
- Investigation ongoing: Police are analysing CCTV and other evidence to identify suspects and establish motive.
Wider implications
Multiple, near-simultaneous attacks on civic and law enforcement infrastructure represent a serious law-and-order concern for the state capital. Such incidents can undermine public confidence in safety and strain emergency services. Authorities have responded by bolstering protection around vulnerable government and police sites while continuing forensic and technical examination.
Officials did not provide details of any arrests or named any groups as responsible. The motive behind the attacks remains unknown as investigators follow leads, review footage and collect physical evidence from the scenes.
What comes next
Police said they will continue their probe and urged the public to report any suspicious activity or information that might assist investigations. Enhanced patrolling and security checks around government offices and police installations have been put in place, according to officials.
Authorities have not commented on whether any precautionary closures or restrictions will be imposed on specific offices in Shillong. Further details are expected as the probe progresses and forensic results become available.
This report is based on statements from police officials and corroborating information from PTI.
