Shillong: Despite the 36-hour bandh called by the proscribed militant outfit HNLC to boycott President Pranab Mukerjee’s maiden visit to the state, thousands of music lovers converged at Kyndailad to listen to their favourite bands at the ‘Free Ur Mind’ concert.
Performing for the second day, Shillong Chamber Choir cast their magic spell with, Heal the world, Price Tag/Where is the Love (medley) and Make me a Channel of Your Peace.
Addressing the audience the SCC, Director Neil Nongkynrih exhorted the crowd to pray for the State of Meghalaya and for its rulers. Pauline Warjri, a pianist composer and Neil’s elder sister also sang with the Choir.
Old time singers including Rana Kharkongor, Jameer Kharkongor, the Cubicle band and the inimitable Lou Majaw kept the crowd revving.
His message ‘Ban Bandhs’ resonated with the crowd which shouted in agreement with the singer.
The arrival of the members of Subroto Cup Under-17′ champion team — OM Roy Memorial HSS School — at the venue sent the crowd cheering with jubilation for making a name for the State recently.
Shillong is never without surprises. While on the first day of the 36-hour bandh a group of boys performed their hip-hop stunts which left the crowd stunned, on the second day another group of young boys in their BMX cycles performed amazing stunts on their pulsar bikes.
The 36-hour bandh turned out to be a fun time for leisure deprived Shillongites.
The bandh failed to yield any positive response at the Deputy Commissioner’ Office where the attendance was recorded at 92 per cent, officials sources said on Tuesday.
However, banks, Central government offices were under lock and key.
Though big commercial establishments kept their shutters down during the day, but the roadside small vendors kept their makeshift shops open throughout the day in Police Bazar and did a brisk business.
Educational institutions including schools and colleges remained closed for the second consecutive day and thereby affected the academics of the students who are set to appear for their annual examinations next month.
The bandh resulted in traffic-free roads which turned into football and crickets playgrounds. This suggests that there is a dearth of playing fields in the city.
The State Government also made all attempts to keep the bandh at bay by plying its SPTS buses and maxi taxis which were seen catering to many passengers in the city.
No untoward incident was reported from any part of the state during the bandh.