SHILLONG: It is not so a merry Christmas this season for Meghalaya with adverse weather condition, bandh on Monday , ILP related violent incidents and casualties on the part of the police and militants in Garo Hills plaguing fag end of the year.
While three families of traders in Shillong are still mourning the death of their dear ones during the ILP-agitations, Christmas will not be a time for celebration for the relatives of the five policemen killed by GNLA in Garo Hills in November.
There were also casualties on the part of GNLA, ANVC(B) and UALA during the encounter with the police end of the year.
Execution of civilians for whimsical reasons and kidnapping and extortions by GNLA have also cast a shadow on peaceful Christmas celebrations in Garo Hills.
Moreover, as many as 80 volunteers who were arrested during the ILP agitations, will not be able to celebrate Christmas with their families this time.
The nature is also harsh in this season with mercury dipping further each passing day. While the maximum temperature varied from 14 degree Celsius to 15 for the last few days, the minimum temperature was 4 degree Celsius.
Reasons for a gloomy Christmas
- Severe cold weather condition
- Bandh call by HNLC on the eve of Christmas.
- Torching of city traders during ILP agitations
- Casualty of policemen in GNLA attacks
- Killing of GNLA,ANVC(B), UALA cadres
- Execution of civilians by GNLA in Garo Hills
- Arrest of over 80 pro-ILP volunteers
