Mixed response to bandh

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG: The Bharat bandh called to protest against the brutal gang rape and murder of a 23-year old medical student in New Delhi evoked mixed response in the city on Thursday even as shops in major commercial hubs like Iewduh (Bara Bazar) and Khyndai lad (Police Bazar) remained closed.

While most of the commercial establishments across the city remained closed, a few vehicles were seen plying on the city roads during bandh period.

Attendance in most of the state government offices remained thin thus making it a virtual extension of the holidays which began on December 24.

The government offices reopened on January 2 after nine days.

However, most of the employees remained absent on the January 2 as the hangover of festivity continued and offices wore a deserted look.

The CSWO, which supported the all India Bandh, lauded the city residents for the support extended to what could be termed as a ‘rare bandh initiated by people’.

“The women employees of the General Post Office (GPO) went up to the Senior Post Master and requested him to exempt them from duty for the day as a mark of solidarity to the rape victims,” CSWO president, Agnes Kharshiing said.

“It was really a good gesture on the part of the people as every one is susceptible to such crimes,” she added.

Earlier, the CSWO submitted its recommendations to the Justice JS Verma committee, which was set up by the Centre last month to recommend stringent laws on crime against women.