Shillong, Oct 5: Following the bomb scare in Shillong city on Monday, questions have been raised if the Meghalaya government and the police department tend to focus only on sensitive areas.

Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Tuesday partially agreed that police department tends to focus on sensitive areas and leave out other areas which are hardly targeted.

An abandoned bag was placed by banned militant outfit HNLC in front of National People’s Party (NPP) office leaving residents and office workers panicked. The bag contained crude improvised explosive device (IED) which was instantly defused by the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS).

The Home Minister informed that investigation is going on and the police department is taking all necessary steps following the threats made by HNLC.

“It is the duty of the police to look at all areas of concern. Having said that, the incident at Laitumkhrah and now Lachumiere has made us aware that the department should leave no stone unturned to ensure no such incidents happen,” stated Rymbui.

IED planted during visit of Vice Prez

Since the incident happened at a time when the Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu was in the State capital, several felt that it was a complete lapse.

Rymbui said it is the duty of the police department to do more. “It is with the help of citizens being alert and have been cooperative that with their help they have helped the police,” said Rymbui.

“The view of the government, as we have said, nothing can be solved by confrontation but can only be resolved by dialogue which could be done. Government has always mentioned again and again to shun violence and they (HNLC) should come forward within parameters of the Constitution of India,” added Rymbui.

With Shillong witnessing another IED bomb planted, Rymbui said that intelligence has to beef up which is being done at the moment.

Threat to politicians

On the threats by HNLC to politicians, Rymbui said it is the duty of the government to provide safety and security to each and every citizen of the state.

“It does not mean that if they threaten somebody that is more important than protecting others so it is the duty of state to see that security of each and every citizen is paramount,” stated the Home Minister.