Petrol Bomb Attacks Target Shillong During Durga Puja

Shillong: Shillong is on edge. Petrol bomb attacks are marring Durga Puja festivities as unidentified assailants target government buildings and neighborhood sites. The latest strike hit the Directorate of Employment and Craftsmen Training on Keating Road at 7 pm on Tuesday.

Two people on a scooter without a license plate stopped outside the gate. One suspect ignited a petrol bomb and hurled it inside before fleeing. Shopkeepers acted fast to kill the flames. The office houses the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society, situated right across from Civil Hospital. Nobody was hurt.

This marks the third incident in four days. On October 17, a suspected device landed near a momo stall in Mawbah at 9:30 pm. While the object failed to fully explode, a nearby abandoned scooter caught fire. East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem confirmed the investigation. He stated, "police were investigating the incident and verifying whether the object thrown at the spot was a petrol bomb."

An earlier arson attempt occurred Monday morning when suspects tried to torch the welcome gate of the Kench's Trace Puja Committee in Laban. The Meghalaya government is scrambling. Chief Secretary held an emergency meeting with the Central Puja Committee to bolster security around all prayer sites. Officers are now patrolling pandals to keep the peace as crowds continue their worship.