SHILLONG, AUG 10: Two persons were injured after an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded at a busy Laitumkhrah market on Tuesday afternoon even as Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma assured to take stern action against the people who are behind the blast.
The incident took place at around 1.30 pm when a powerful IED exploded near a tea shop situated in the parking lot at Laitumkhrah market.
Two persons sustained minor injuries on their persons during the incident. The wall of the tea shop and window glasses of the adjacent building also got damaged.
The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has claimed responsibility for planting the blast at the market in broad daylight.
The incident had also taken place just five days ahead of the Independence Day celebrations in the state and after 17 days of the IED blast at the premises of the police reserve at Khliehriat in East Jaintia Hills district.
Addressing media persons after chairing a cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma told reporters that the cabinet has strongly condemned the people who are behind the IED blast incident at Laitumkhrah in the heart of the capital city.
“The cabinet has taken a very firm decision that a very strong action will be taken against those who are responsible for this particular blast,” he said.
Asked, Sangma said that the government had seen the claims made by the HNLC. “(However), we will do thorough investigation to find who really is behind this only then will it be appropriate for me to comment,” he added.
The Chief Minister further admitted that the overground workers of the HNLC are a concern for the government.
“That is the reason why I said a large number of arrests have been made in the last many weeks especially after the IED blast in Khliehriat police premises. Therefore, once we start doing that exercise, a large network has come up in front of us and we have been taking action against all of them. As I said, a large number have been arrested and now with this incident happening, more detailed investigation will happen and all those involved in it will be brought to justice,” he said.
When asked if militancy is trying to raise its ugly head again in the state, the Chief Minister however said, “Absolutely not. This is an incident that yes should not have happened. This is an incident where we have seen it has been preceded by large numbers of extortion being given to people and therefore, it looks more like a racket of extortion that they are trying to create and this is something that we will not allow at all.”
“Therefore, there are few people who are trying to do this and I want to assure the citizens of our state that as a government and as police we will take firm action and will ensure safety of the people of the state,” he added.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Sylvester Nongtnger said immediately, a bomb squad, crime scene unit and dog squad were sent to the place of occurrence for collection of evidence.
“During the preliminary investigation, it is ascertained that blast occurred due to IED,” Nongtnger said.
In this connection, a case is being registered at Laitumkhrah police station.
Meanwhile, the SP also requested all citizens not to panic and if found any abandoned or suspected item in the locality, immediately inform the nearest local police station or police control room Shillong at 0364-2222214/ 0364-2222215.
By Our Reporter
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