Shillong — Shillong city recorded its fourth petrol‑bomb incident in 48 hours on Thursday when unknown persons hurled an improvised incendiary device at the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office at Shyiap, officials said. There were no injuries, but window panes were damaged and a case has been registered.
Police requisition central forces, step up patrolling
Superintendent of Police (City) Dangsan Khyriem said the state police have sought deployment of central paramilitary forces in view of the spate of attacks. He said additional nakas (checkpoints) and intensified foot and mobile patrolling are already in place across Shillong and its outskirts, and these will be further increased.
"We will increase our nakas and we have also requisitioned central paramilitary forces from today onwards, so most probably we will be getting them in a few days’ time. But despite that we want to ensure and make sure that public is safe and law and order is stable," SP (City) Dangsan Khyriem said.
Police said they are analysing CCTV footage and other evidence to identify those responsible. No motive has been established so far, and investigators are treating the incidents as acts by miscreants attempting to disturb public order, the SP (City) added.
Sequence and impact of incidents
According to police statements, the petrol‑bomb incidents occurred at multiple locations across Shillong over two days. The ED office attack took place in the early hours of Thursday when the device landed on the steps leading to the building. Apart from shattered window panes, no structural damage or casualties were reported at the ED premises.
| Location | Reported damage | Injuries |
|---|---|---|
| ED office, Shyiap | Window panes damaged | None |
| Kench's Trace | Not specified | Not reported |
| Keating Road | Not specified | Not reported |
| Laitumkhrah | Not specified | Not reported |
| Langkyrding | No damage reported | None |
Investigation status and police actions
Police have registered a case in connection with the ED office attack and said investigators are scrutinising every available clue. The SP (City) said teams are combing through CCTV footage and other leads to make a breakthrough.
On the question of how many central companies were requested, Khyriem said a formal requisition was being written and the exact number would be known after the request is processed. He reiterated the objective of ensuring public safety and restoring normalcy in the city.
Public reassurance and caution
Authorities emphasised that there is no indication of injuries so far and urged citizens to remain calm while cooperating with police. The additional measures — more nakas, increased patrolling and the expected arrival of central forces — are intended to deter further attacks and reassure residents and businesses.
- Immediate measures: increased nakas, mobile and foot patrolling across Shillong and outskirts.
- Reinforcements sought: requisition made for central paramilitary forces; deployment expected in a few days.
- Investigation: cases registered, CCTV footage and physical evidence being examined.
Police urged anyone with information about the petrol‑bomb incidents to come forward and assist the investigation. They said they would continue visible deployments to maintain law and order while probing the motive and identifying the perpetrators.
As inquiries proceed, authorities declined to speculate on any political or communal angle and described the attacks as actions by individuals or small groups intent on creating unrest. Further updates will be provided as investigations yield more information.
