Security stepped up in Shillong after arson attacks

Shillong, April 23 (IANS) Security was stepped up Monday in the Meghalaya state capital after activists went on rampage torching vehicles following a public rally against the inclusion of doubtful voters in the electoral rolls, police said.

A Meghalaya government vehicle was totally gutted when unidentified arsonists hurled an inflammable substance at it a few metres away from the venue of the rally at Motphran.

Later, a truck was set on fire at Mawlai area and a haystack at Pynthorumkhrah.

"The attacks were a premeditated one. All the attacks have taken place after the public rally. We have stepped up our security arrangement and additional security have been deployed in certain parts of the capital to prevent further attacks," Meghalaya Director General of Police N. Ramachandran told IANS.

Three influential social organisations - the Khasi Students Union, the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People, and the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front Monday convened the rally demanding withdrawal names of "dubious voters" from the electoral rolls.

The organisations have also called for a two day-night road blockade beginning Wednesday.

Police picked up 20 KSU activists in connection with the torching of the government vehicle. However, all the 20 were released after police found them that they were not behind the arson attack.