Shillong: Law-and-order preparations for Durga Puja in Meghalaya have been stepped up, with the police extending night deployment and intensifying patrolling across sensitive localities after a high-level meeting of the Central Puja Committee, officials said on Monday.
Night deployment extended; additional forces mobilised
East Khasi Hills SP in-charge (Traffic) Hari Prasath M R said the police will increase both foot and mobile patrolling during the festival period, with picketing strengthened in areas identified as sensitive. The night deployment has been extended into the early hours — officials said patrols will be increased from midnight and continue until around 5:30–6:00 am.
The intensification follows deliberations chaired by the Chief Secretary, attended by senior police leadership including the Director General of Police and the Central Puja Committee. According to the SP, the decision seeks to ensure public safety and maintain normalcy amid large gatherings during the festivities.
Probe under way into Mawbah petrol-bomb report
Police said they have launched an inquiry into a reported petrol-bomb incident in the Mawbah area. Investigators are working to establish the facts and identify those responsible before any action is taken.
“We are investigating into it. Investigation is going on and only after thorough investigation will be able to know the persons involved in it and will we be able to take action on them,” the SP said.
While officers characterised the episode as a discrete occurrence, they emphasised that enhanced patrols and surveillance have been put in place as a precautionary measure. The SP reassured the public that, overall, the situation remains under control.
How policing changes will be implemented
Officials outlined several operational steps that will be visible on the ground: increased foot patrols in crowded localities, more mobile units on key routes, targeted picketing at identified spots and additional personnel deployed in sectors deemed sensitive. The aim is to deter any untoward incidents and to provide rapid response should the need arise.
- Patrol hours: Extended into the midnight-to-early-morning period (around 12:00 am to 5:30–6:00 am).
- Patrolling types: Both foot and mobile patrols to be increased.
- Focus: Sensitive areas to receive additional forces and picketing.
Officials stress calm; investigation ongoing
The police description of the Mawbah episode as a stray or isolated incident is intended to reassure residents and festival attendees, but the force has adopted a cautious posture to pre-empt escalation. Prosecutors and investigators will proceed once the evidence on the petrol-bomb report is consolidated.
| Issue | Action taken | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Night-time security during Durga Puja | Extended deployment; increased foot and mobile patrols; added picketing | Ongoing |
| Mawbah petrol-bomb report | Investigation launched | Under inquiry |
Police said they have mobilised additional forces and will keep surveillance heightened throughout the festival duration. No arrests have been announced in connection with the Mawbah report as of Monday.
The measures reflect the priority authorities are placing on festival security: protecting congregations, preventing disorder and ensuring timely law-enforcement response. Residents have been urged to cooperate with the security apparatus and to report suspicious activity to the police through standard local channels.
The expanded night deployments and the probe into Mawbah will be closely watched by community leaders and organisers as Durga Puja events progress across Shillong and the East Khasi Hills.
Reporting from Shillong.
