Normal life affected by 48-hour bandh in Meghalaya

Normal life was affected in seven districts in the Khasi Jaintia Hills region in Meghalaya in view of the 48-hour shutdown called by an outlawed organisation, the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), against the National Green Tribunal ban on coal mining and to boycott the Independence Day celebration in the state.
Even as there was no untoward incident during the bandh since 6 PM last evening, there was panic buying by people ahead of the bandh hours, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Sanjay Goyal told PTI.
Attendance was affected today in view of the bandh coupled with heavy rain that lashed the entire region, Goyal said.

The overall attendance was about 40 per cent in government offices as most banks, educational institutions and business houses shut shop and fewer vehicles plied in the state's capital, he said.
Security in government institutions and sensitive areas has been beefed up following the bandh call by the HNLC, East Khasi Hills district Superintendent of Police, M Kharkrang said.
Meanwhile, in the Garo Hills region, Bank Associations and Union have temporarily suspended their strike in view of Independence Day.

All 41 branches of the SBI were opened today, two days after they resorted to agitation after one of their staff was abducted by armed miscreants, the Association said.

The Bank Association also informed that they will again open on August 16 in view of the Independence Day celebration but are likely to close in the coming days.
Petrol pump owners, who were also on indefinite strike after one of their workers was shot dead in West Garo Hills district two days ago, have also informed that they will open their shops tomorrow in view of the Independence Day, provided security personnel were deployed by district authorities.
The strike will continue after August 15 again till their demands are met, they said.