SHILLONG: The State Government, in its efforts to maintain normalcy in the city and elsewhere on Monday and Tuesday, has decided to ply buses across the city for the public.
Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) Secretary T Lyngwa on Sunday informed that SPTS buses and maxi taxis will operate normally during the two days of bandh.
The public transport system is being kept operational on these two days to encourage the public to defy the HNLC bandh call and come out of their houses to greet the President who is arriving here on Monday afternoon at 2:25 pm.
MUDA’s decision to run the SPTS buses and maxi taxis during the HNLCs-sponsored bandh is in sharp contrast to the spate of bandh called by the ILP supporting groups when no Government-run buses were visible in the city.
Arrangements have also been made to run special buses to ferry people, especially students, to the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) where the President will address the convocation on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the 36-hour bandh called by proscribed militant group HNLC is all set to begin from Monday amidst tight security in the State capital.
The bandh had its impact on Sunday itself as people came out in large numbers for last minute purchases ahead of the two-day forced shutdown.
The bandh has been called by the HNLC to protest the visit of President Pranab Mukherjee to the State.
Iewduh, the biggest commercial market in the State, witnessed hectic business on Sunday, usually a holiday. Even traffic snarls were evident in many parts of the city, an unfamiliar sight in the city on Sundays.
Vehicular movement on the highway was above normal since many people left for their hometowns in Assam and other places ahead of the two-day ‘holiday’.
Warjri condemns
two-day bandh call Home Minister Roshan Warjri on Sunday came out with a strong criticism of the two-day bandh called by the HNLC, terming it as totally uncalled for and an attempt to prevent students from receiving their hard earned degrees in the august presence of President Pranab Mukherjee during the 21st Convocation of NEHU on Tuesday “It is a negation to these hardworking students on a day when their achievements are due to be recognized. Moreover it is also largely affecting the needs of the common people who depend on daily wages for their means of livelihood and the public at large,” Warjri said in a statement on Sunday.
She reiterated the Government’s appeal to all the people to ensure that their Fundamental Rights are not infringed upon by such disruptive elements and to disregard this illegal and irrational bandh call by ‘demonstrating that the voice of the people is supreme’.
Meanwhile, Warjri extended her heartiest congratulations to all the students of NEHU who are set to receive their degrees on Tuesday.
“This is an example that they have set for many others who aspire to climb the ladder of success through sheer hard work, grit and determination,” she said.
While urging one and all to come forward with their views and suggestions on the proposed Meghalaya Regulation of Landlords and Verification of Tenants Draft Bill, 2013, the Home Minister informed that public consultations with various stakeholders on the proposed Bill will be organised and dates for such consultations will be indicated accordingly.
“Acts of violence, attacks on innocent people and vandalism is not the solution and is highly condemnable,” Warjri said, adding, “In its seriousness to tackle the problem of influx, the Government seeks the co-operation of one and all.”