Police are still trying to trace the source of the massive explosives haul, which was seized in an operation on December 3 in Kongong under Lad Rymbai Police Station, East Jaintia Hills.
“The six persons (arrested) are still in police custody and investigation to find out the source of the explosive material is on,” police sources confirmed.
The police also confirmed that the explosives used in the earlier Soo Kilo blast in the same district are of the same kind that were seized a few days later.
“We are looking at all angles and will see where the investigation goes but we cannot reveal anything at this point,” the police said, adding that the authorities have also intensified their investigation after the explosion at Soo Kilo.
When asked about the Hynñiewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) threat against the Doloi of Sutnga for supposed illegal activities in Soo Kilo, such as gambling and prostitution, the police stated that no such illegal activities are going on there.
It may be mentioned that police on December 3 seized over 1,500 kg of explosives, 6,000 detonators in East Jaintia Hills district. The police also arrested six persons in connection with it.
According to the reports, a police team had launched a massive search operation at the Soo Kilo area in East Jaintia Hills district after receiving input that one Mahindra Bolero vehicle bearing Assam registration number and loaded with explosives was moving towards Kongong.
The police team intercepted the vehicle in Kongong area under Lad Rymbai police outpost and during the search, it found 250 kg of explosives in 10 cartoons, 1,000 live detonators from the vehicle.
The police team arrested two persons initially. Four more persons were arrested from Umpleng, Mokympad and San Kilo areas.
The arrested persons then led the police team to a place in San Kilo from where the explosives were loaded onto the vehicle, resulting in a search operation in the area.
The police team seized 51 cartons loaded with approximately 1,275 kg of explosive (10,200 gelatine sticks), 5,000 live detonators and eight rolls of Cordtex (fuse).
A police officer of East Jaintia Hills district said approximately 1,525 kg of explosive, 6,000 live detonators were seized and six persons were arrested. They have been booked under the Explosives Act and other relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
