Shillong: A series of arson attacks targeting govt offices, police facilities and vehicles has been reported across Shillong since Wednesday, with police searching for the perpetrators.No injuries or deaths were reported.In a pre-dawn attack around 3.15 am on Thursday, a vehicle parked on the premises of the directorate of health services in Laitumkhrah caught fire. Fire tenders doused the flames before the vehicle was completely gutted.On the night of Sept 16, a police booth in Nongmynsong, on the road to the BSF Meghalaya Frontier headquarters, was reportedly set on fire. A petrol bomb was also hurled at Lumdiengjri police station, striking the rear of the officer-in charge’s room and causing minor damage to its window panes.The attacks followed petrol bombs being hurled at the directorate of mineral resources in Risa Colony on Wednesday. A private vehicle parked on the premises was partially damaged.CM Conrad K Sangma, accompanied by the chief secretary and other officials, visited the DMR to assess the situation. He announced compensation for the vehicle owner and directed that more CCTV cameras be installed at govt offices.Deputy CM in charge of home, Prestone Tynsong, said police were taking steps to identify the attackers and establish their motives.“Throwing petrol bombs or setting things on fire will not solve anything. If they have any grievances with the govt, they should come forward and raise their problems across the table,” Tynsong told the media.“We are investigating all the incidents,” DGP Idashisha Nongrang said.
