Taxi Welfare Association joins chorus

SHILLONG: The United Democratic Party (UDP) on Saturday appealed to the general public to ignore the “untimely, illogical and anti-Christian” 12-hour bandh call given by the HNLC.
“Christmas is the annual festive season celebrated by not only the majority in the State, but by a worldwide community, that believes in the spirit of giving and forgiving, for peace on Earth. A spirit, that we hope the government of the day and agitating parties in question will embrace, to usher in a more conducive atmosphere for dialogues to prevail,” the UDP said in statement issued here on Saturday.
The party also feels that the policy of confrontation leading to agitations and subsequent arrests has not bore fruit for the common man, but has resulted in losses that directly affect the common man.
“In the spirit of Christmas, the UDP suggests to parties in question, to climb down from rigidity to enable an across the table dialogue, which would definitely result in an outcome, that would free the State and it’s citizens from this tension ridden deadlock,” the party said.
Meanwhile, the East Khasi Hills Local Taxi Welfare Association has decided to boycott the proposed 12-hour bandh called by the HNLC on Monday.
“We have decided to ply as usual during the hours of the bandh. We have taken this decision since we feel that this is not an appropriate occasion to call the bandh when everyone is preparing to welcome Christmas, which is the greatest festival of the Christians,” association general secretary Wandonbok Jyrwa said in a statement issued here on Saturday.
He said the bandh call by the HNLC reflected the outfit’s disrespect towards ‘Christmas’ or ‘Shad Suk Mynsiem’ which is unfortunate.
“The militant outfit cannot impose its decision on the common people of the State. We have decided to take them on by boycotting the bandh,” Jyrwa said.
Meanwhile, The Shillong Khasi Jaintia Church Leaders Forum (SKJCLF) have urged the Christian population belonging to different denomination to not let the proposed bandh affect their their Christmas preparations.
SKJCLF president Arch Bishop Dominic Jala also wished the people of the State a joyous merry Christmas.
Earlier, on Thursday the HNLC had come under criticism from the church bodies for calling the bandh ahead of the Christmas festival.

HNLC refuses to budge

SHILLONG: Despite widespread criticism against the 12-hour bandh called by the proscribed Hynniewtrep  National Liberation Council (HNLC), the outfit has outrightly refused to budge from its stand.
In a statement issued to a section of the press on Saturday, HNLC publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said  that the bandh has been called keeping in mind the interests of the ‘Jaitbynriew’ (Khasi community) which is more  important than religion.
“Without Jaidbynriew there would be no religion,” Nongtraw said even as he shrugged off allegations that the outfit  is opposed to a certain religious sect or groups.
“The outfit respects all religions and before sponsoring any kind of boycott or bandh it is ensured that emergency  services, media and religious ceremonies are given exemptions,” he said.
While asserting that the bandh will be supported by “various NGOs of the Hynniewtrep” the HNLC publicity secretary said those interested in shopping can do so after the bandh hours.
“Going against the bandh will mean disrespect to the entire Hynniewtrep cause,” Nongtraw said.
The HNLC was also critical of Home Minister Roshan Warjri’s stand against the bandh.
“The Home Minister is not bothered about the plight of the masses,” the HNLC publicity secretary said.