SHILLONG: Meghalaya Police have seized a cache of gelatin sticks and detonators from Tlongpleng village, about 90 kms Mawsynram, following an operation triggered by reports of explosives planted in the area.
The alarm was raised late Sunday evening, December 21, when vigilant residents of Tlongpleng stumbled upon the dangerous materials. Recognizing the immediate threat, they alerted the authorities.
By the morning of December 22, a multi-departmental force—including police units from Shillong, Mawsynram, and Dangar, alongside a specialized Bomb Squad—descended upon the remote village.
South West Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police (SP) Banrap Jyrwa said, “We suspect these materials were intended for illegal blast-fishing, a practice where explosives are used to catch fish.”
However, police are not taking this lightly. “A formal case has been registered against unidentified persons, and a full investigation is underway,” Jyrwa added.
The incident has left the local population on edge. T. Disiar, the Rangbah Shnong (Village Headman) of Tlongpleng, expressed the community’s deep anxiety.
“This discovery has caused widespread fear among our people,” Disiar stated.
“We urge the authorities to take this matter with the utmost seriousness. Had these explosives gone off, it could have led to a major tragedy within our village.”
As of now, village authorities have not identified any suspects or witnessed suspicious activity leading up to the find.
The police are continuing their probe to track down the source of the explosives and ensure no further threats remain in the vicinity.
