From Our Correspondent
NONGSTOIN: Braving the diktat of the proscribed GNLA, hundreds of villagers and school children of Shallang area led by the church leaders came out in protest against the 15-day bandh called by the Garo militant outfit from May 1 to May 15.
The peace rally began from Joplang L P School and headed towards Shallang petrol pump before coming back to the same place.
Chants like “We want peace in Shallang” and “We are hungry, please bring peace” reverberated around as the people marched ahead.
A meeting was held after the rally wherein Father Bartholomew Marak thanked the people for their participation despite the bandh.
Father Bartholomew also appealed the GNLA to call off the bandh at Shallang as it was evident from the mass participation that everyone desired peace.
“People are not against the GNLA but they are all suffering on account of the bandh which has forced the shops to down shutters since May 1 leaving many a household without anything to eat,” Father Marak said while appealing to the people to open their shops from Wednesday.
West Khasi Hills District Superintendent of Police Sylvester Nongtnger who was also present on the occasion informed that out of the 11 platoons deployed in West Khasi Hills, five have been stationed at Shallang to ensure security of the people. He also said that additional troops have been deployed in sensitive places like Nongshram, Riangdim, Wahthre and Swangre. He also appealed to the people to open their shops while assuring them that the police was doing all it can for their security.