Meghalaya violence: Amid petrol bomb attacks, government vehicle set on fire
SHILLONG: Violence in Meghalaya continues unabated as the state grapples with a series of petrol bomb attacks and vehicles being set ablaze.
The most recent incident occurred late on Thursday (May 02) night when a vehicle, belonging to the Meghalaya directorate of water resources, was set on fire at Cleve colony in Shillong.
Suspected to be the work of miscreants, the attackers reportedly threw a petrol bomb, causing extensive damage to the vehicle.
This incident adds to the growing number of petrol bomb attacks on government vehicles and buildings in recent times in Meghalaya.
Since April 3, there have been at least eight reported incidents of petrol bombs being thrown at government and police vehicles, as well as various buildings in Shillong – the capital of Meghalaya.
The latest incident saw a petrol bomb being thrown near the CRPF camp in Mawlai on Wednesday (May 01) night.
Also read: Meghalaya petrol bomb attacks: CRPF camp in Shillong targeted
Prior to this, bombs were hurled at the Shillong Sadar police station and Rynjah police station.
On April 30, two separate incidents were reported – one at the Jowai Police Reserve, where a vehicle was damaged, and another at the Meghalaya Government Construction Corporation office in Shillong.
CCTV footage revealed that the bomb narrowly missed parked cars, resulting in no property damage.
On April 26, a petrol bomb was thrown at the residence of Meghalaya deputy chief minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, landing on his balcony.
Fortunately, no one was injured in the attack.
Notably, on April 24, a petrol bomb targeted a police vehicle escorting NEEPCO Director (Personnel) Major General (retired) RK Jha in Shillong.
Another incident occurred on April 3, when a petrol bomb was hurled at the Mawlai Police Station, damaging a parked police vehicle.
Police investigations have revealed a clear pattern in these attacks, with government vehicles in areas lacking CCTV coverage being the primary targets.