Shillong (Meghalaya), Dec 21: The darkness of night was shattered by a deafening explosion at the Dhar construction company campus near Shymplong village, sending shockwaves through the tranquil hills of East Jaintia Hills. The improvised explosive device (IED) blast, which occurred at around 12:15 AM on Dec 15, damaged a water tanker truck but miraculously did not claim any lives.
The East Jaintia Hills District Police have swung into action, arresting two suspects, Richard Suchen, 31, and Pynshaitbor Syih, 45, both residents of Shymplong village, in connection with the blast. Investigation has revealed that the mastermind behind the attack is Smiki Tongper, a resident of Shymplong village, who allegedly planned and executed the blast with the help of the two accused and an unidentified member of the banned organization HNLC.
Tongper, who is also wanted in a separate case of rape and POCSO Act, is currently on the run, prompting the police to launch a manhunt. A search of his house and compound led to the discovery of a cache of explosives, including safety fuses, detonators, gun powder, and splinters, as well as a country-made rifle and handsets.
The police have registered a case under various sections of the BNS and the Explosive Substances Act and are determined to bring the perpetrators to justice. The incident has raised concerns about the law-and-order situation in the region, with the police assuring the public of their commitment to maintaining peace and security. As the investigation unfolds, the people of East Jaintia Hills wait with bated breath for answers about the motives behind the blast and the
