Meghalaya police arrests two in connection with bomb blast

Shillong, Jan 4 (UNI) Meghalaya police today arrested two persons in connection with the recent bomb explosion in a local garment shop in the state, police said.

The two, identified as Biangbor Lyngdoh and Wanstep Dkhar, were arrested from their residence at Mawlai late last night, East Khasi Hills district Superintendent of Police A R Mawthoh told UNI here.

Late on January 2, four persons were injured, one critically, when two unidentified youths hurled a crude bomb at a garment shop in Khyndai-Lad, the commercial hub centre.

Mr Mawthoh said the arrest of the two would further help the police in finding out about yesterday's blast at Lad Rymbai in Jaintia Hills district, in which seven people were injured.

''The interrogation is going on in full swing to get more lead,'' Mr Mawthoh said, adding the duo was also arrested earlier with regard to burning of the tri-colour on August 15, 2005 in front of the residence of former Mweghalaya Chief Minister D D Lapang.

Meanwhile, a local court has remanded the duo in two days' police custody.

Mr Mawthoh's counterpart in Jaintia Hills Mr H Nongpluh said the investigation into the matter was on.

''We are investigating from all angles,'' Mr Nongpluh told UNI over phone from Lad Rymbai.

Lad Rymbai, a coal belt area, is about 95 km from the state capital here and known for its anti-social activities like gambling, trafficking of weapons and prostitution besides the presence of illegal Bangladeshis.

Meanwhile, Director General of Police William Richmond Marbaniang said police were investigating probable links of the blasts.

A special squad headed by Superintendent of Police Ricky Dkhar, comprising bomb experts, had been formed to investigate the attacks, he said.

Chief Minister J D Rymbai earlier urged the people not to panic in the wake of the low-intensity blasts here and in Jaintia hills district.

Mr Rymbai said he had instructed the police to be alert to thwart such incidents in other parts of the state.

Meanwhile, former Lok Sabha Speaker and NCP leader Purno A Sangma condemned the blasts.

''The state government should be firm and quick to deal with the situation,'' Mr Sangma said.

EDS: Here pick up suitably from earlier series.

UNI