Shillong: Meghalaya officials tightened security at Durga Puja pandals following two arson attacks in Shillong. A petrol bomb exploded outside the Mawbah Durga Puja pandal on Saturday. Early Monday, someone tried to torch the welcome gate of the Kench’s Trace Puja Committee in Laban. The state government responded fast.
Chief Secretary officials met Monday with the Central Puja Committee, Meghalaya. The Director General of Police joined the session. They mapped out plans to lock down identified sectors. Police will now focus on the midnight to dawn window. Authorities ordered the immediate deployment of plainclothes officers to boost surveillance.
All Durga Puja committees must recruit more volunteers to manage crowds and watch for threats. The Central Puja Committee urged organizers to coordinate with police constantly. They want immediate reporting of any suspicious activity. “The CPC has urged all committees to take the instructions seriously, strengthen vigilance and work closely with the police to ensure the safety of devotees and puja premises during the festivities.”
The CPC leadership, including the president, working president, vice-president, and general secretary, attended the meeting to finalize these protocols. Committees must keep a sharp eye on their sites until the festival ends.
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