Bandh cripples normal life in Meghalaya

Normal life was crippled in Meghalaya in response to a 12-hour bandh called by pro-Inner Line Permit activists to press for their demand for introducing a strong law to curb influx of foreigners into the state.
Shutters of shops were down as markets remained closed and the state capital wore a deserted look with no vehicles except ambulances and security vehicles doing their rounds.
Schools, colleges and other educational institutions and banks were closed and very thin attendance was registered in government offices including Civil Secretariat, officials said.
Transport services were also affected as taxis, heavy transport vehicles and government-run buses also remained off the roads.

While no untoward incident has been reported today, reports of arson, attempt of arson and stone pelting were reported in the state capital in the past 24 hours East Khasi Hills district Superintendent of Police M Kharkrang said.
Five persons were arrested in connection with two incidents in the city outskirts, he said.
Security has also been tightened in certain areas in the state capital identified as vulnerable to attacks and all government installations are under full security cover, a senior home official said.