Our Bureau
JOWAI/NONGSTOIN: Life came to a standstill in the State as the 12-hour bandh called by the three organisations on Monday passed off peacefully.
The bandh was called by FKJGP, KSU and HNYF against government enrolment of “dubious” voters in the state.
Government offices, business establishments and educational institutions remained closed. Vehicular traffic was also very sparse on the roads. Jowai, Ladrymbai, Khliehriat, Dawki and other places such as Shangpung and Amlarem were closed the whole day.
No vehicular movement was seen along the congested NH-44. Only police vehicles, Ambulance and very few private vehicles carrying black flag were seen moving on the roads.
Less than 10 per cent attendance was recorded in various government offices in Jaintia Hills district.
Meanwhile, the bandh coincided with the weekly market day at Markasa.
The uninformed villagers with all their wares reached the market place only to find the agitating students at the market. The poor villagers some of whom depend on their livelihood from the profits they make at this market had to return to their villages with all their items.
At Nongstoin, government offices and shops remained closed during the bandh hours.
The Khasi Students’ Union, the Federation of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo People, and the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front have demanded the immediate suspension of enrolment of voters and the closure of special counters for registering prospective voters in the deputy commissioners’ office.
The organisations have also alleged that numerous migrants have been enrolled in the voters’ lists without a thorough verification of their antecedents.
However, the state government has been maintaining that the enrolment has been done as per the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India.