Shillong, Aug 11: Following the IED blast at Laitumkhrah market in Shillong, Meghalaya Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Wednesday acknowledged that there was a lapse and didn’t anticipate such an incident to take place in the heart of the city.

Condemning the incident and stating that it was an unfortunate incident, Rymbui said he wouldn’t say that it is a total intel failure but will admit there is a lapse.

“We did not anticipate that such an incident would happen especially at that area. This is a wake up call. We have to see those recent incidents of blast that took place, so through this police should be more vigilant and not treat any information to be small,” said Rymbui.

The Home Minister further stated that they should analyse properly so that these things can be prevented. He has also urged citizens if they notice any suspicious movement of people in the locality or area they should report to the police.

Rymbui also lauded the citizens of the state that it was because of their vigilance the police department is able to get necessary information. He, however, refused to divulge anymore details since investigation into the incident is happening.

Terming the incident as a criminal act, the Home Minister said the government is ensuring that peace prevails.

“We are treating everything as a major and not minor issue. From the end of the police they are introspecting and they are investigating so that these things don’t happen. At the moment I can’t disclose everything since all possibilities are being looked into and the police will do its necesary duty,” informed Rymbui.

According to him, he has given full leverage to the police department to investigate to ensure peace and tranquility prevails, also to ensure that criminal elements are eliminated.

Threats to press 

Concerning the media fraternity receiving threats from the banned militant outfit the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), Rymbui said the threat was uncalled for and should be withdrawn.

“Nobody can pressure the press to do what they have to do. The press is performing their duty and the duty of the press is to give information within the legal framework of the Constitution which is allowed by the Press Council of India. So this threat is uncalled for. This threat is condemnable and it should be withdrawn by the so called proscribed organisation,” stated Rymbui.

Earlier on Tuesday afternoon an IED blast took place at Laitumkhrah market leaving two persons injured. Following the blast the HNLC claimed responsibility for the act and has even warned the media for not publishing their statement on calling a bandh.

According to a statement issued by the general secretary of HNLC, Sainkupar Nongtraw, “The media houses are expected to be neutral. But if they continue to comply with the order of the High Court by not publishing our statement then they are no longer independent. We will consider them as our enemy.”