HNLC Calls For a Shutdown; Govt Urges People to Defy

NEW DELHI: The Meghalaya state government has urged the citizens of the state to defy the 12-hour bandh termed as “anti-social” act called by the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) in the wake of BJP’s President Amit Shah’s visit to the state.

The militant organization called for a complete shutdown on Wednesday beginning from 5 am, protesting against alleged atrocities on minorities including Christians by the Sangh Parivar, further accusing that the BJP’s proposed ban on cow slaughter would render thousands of tribal people jobless besides hurting their religious sentiments.

In a statement issued by the Under Secretary of the political department on Tuesday, the government asked the citizens to rather assist the law enforcing machinery in discharge of its obligations than being a part of such anti-social acts.

Stating that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure the normal functioning of government offices, institutions and banks, the statement added that as responsible citizens, they should join the government in ensuring a normal, free and peaceful day.

Further, the government encouraged all private and public transport operators to ply their vehicles normally throughout the day, adding, that elaborate security arrangements in cities and towns and along highways have also been made.

It also said that adequate security forces would be deployed to cover all educational institutions to ensure smooth functioning.

Moreover, the government also warned strict action against all unauthorized absence of government employees during the 24-hour bandh.

Meanwhile, it is also being reported that the Thma U Rangli-Juki (TUR), a pressure group, would be organizing a 'beef party' near the BJP office at Shillong during Shah’s visit.

BJP President Amit Shah is presently on a week-long tour and has already visited Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur. He will be arriving in Shillong from Sikkim today for a day-long visit.