Correspondent
SHILLONG, AUG 3: Two unidentified masked men hurled petrol bombs at the office of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) in Lumpyngngad area on Monday afternoon. Police confirmed that no injuries were reported in the incident.
MSPCB Member Secretary Dr. George Hagi Chyrmang stated that the attack occurred around 12:15 p.m. when two masked men arrived on a scooter, entered the office compound, and threw petrol bombs before fleeing. One of the bombs was lobbed into a room occupied by a senior scientific assistant, narrowly missing him.
“Our CCTV cameras captured the attack, but the perpetrators had masked their faces, making identification difficult,” Dr. Chyrmang said. He added that footage showed four individuals arriving on two scooters, though only two entered the premises.
When asked if the attack was linked to the recent environmental public hearing for Shree Cement’s Rs. 1,800 crore integrated cement plant and limestone mining project in East Jaintia Hills, Dr. Chyrmang said it was “too early to establish any link.” Police and forensic teams have collected evidence from the site, and investigations are ongoing.
The July 31 public hearing conducted by MSPCB at Lum Syrman has drawn criticism from landowners, farmers, and pressure groups, who described it as a “sham.” Allegations included restricted access for local landowners, police blockades, and a rushed process. Several organisations, including the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), have demanded cancellation of the hearing.
Meanwhile, police have registered a case at Laitumkhrah Police Station and launched a manhunt to trace those involved in the attack.