7 IED blasts in Meghalaya during last 5 years, Govt to go extra mile to ensure peace

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 14, 2022

A total of 7 Improved Explosive Device (IED) blasts were reported in the state dring the last five years, Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui told the Assembly on Monday.

These include two in East Khasi Hills – Laitumkhrah main market on August 10, 2021 and entrance step of the new extension building of Centre Point Estate at Khyndailad on January 30, 2022, three in East Jaintia Hills – Campus at Krishna Colony Lane on December 12, 2020, Soo Kilo market on November 26, 2020 and Police Reserve Residential Quarter, Khliehriat on July 14, 2021, Dawki in West Jaintia Hills on February 1, 2018 and Sawilgre village in East Garo Hills on February 18, 2018, he said while replying to a query raised by Congress legislator from West Shillong Mohendro Rapsang. 

Rymbui informed that arrests have been made in most of the cases but since some of the cases are being looked into by commission of inquiries, further detail cannot be given. 

When Rapsang wanted to know the measures being taken to prevent IED blasts in the future, the home minister said that intelligence as well as the cyber crime police station have been strengthened.

He also informed that the Government of India had already given a green signal for the state government to facilitate the peace process with the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), which has claimed most of the IED blasts in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills region. 

Urging the cooperation of the members and the citizens  of the state, Rymbui further assured that the state government will go an extra mile to ensure peace and tranquility is maintained in the state. 

Meanwhile, Rymbui said that he required notice when Congress legislator from East Shillong Ampareen Lyngdoh sought to know as to when the government is clearing the pending dues to the residents of Laitumkhrah, who’s properties including window panes, were affected due to the IED blast.