SHILLONG: In the wake of 24-hour shut down call given by HNLC from 6pm of June 10, a meeting was convened by the State Government on Monday to take stock of the situation and reviewed the preparedness to deal with it.
Representatives from the Central Government offices/ institutions, public sector banks, Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of East Khasi Hills District, Director General of Police and other senior officers from the Political/ Home Department and Police Headquarters attended the meeting.
PBO Warjri , Additional Chief Secretary urged the heads of the offices and organisations to convey this to their employees and take all necessary steps to ensure that the offices function normally and the attendance is normal.
He appreciated the efforts made by the Central Government offices and banks to keep their offices functioning when a similar call was given by the same organisation some time ago, and expected an even better response this time as well. Functioning of banking institutions is of critical importance as they have a direct bearing on the trade and commercial activities in the State and inconvenience caused to the public is immense if they do not operate.
The Director General of Police also briefed the meeting about the extensive arrangements made by the police to ensure law and order and to provide security to all.
He assured that the bandobast this time would be much more comprehensive in view of the greater availability of security forces and vulnerable areas have been identified and larger deployments would be made in those areas. Patrolling parties would be specifically advised to keep. a closer watch over the Government establishments and banks.
He also pointed out that the-call has been given by a banned organisation and anyone seen to be supporting the call would be liable to be prosecuted for abetting the unlawful activities of such an organisation.
The Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills also briefed the meeting about the interactions held by them with the other stakeholders to see that the markets function, public transport (buses and taxis etc.) operates, schools open, essential services work and life runs normally. They provided the phone numbers (2222277) to be contacted if needed.
The Government has urged upon all the employees of the Central and State Government and the public sector undertakings to cooperate and ensure smooth and orderly functioning of their offices, adding failure on the part of Government officials to attend office would be treated as “unauthorised absence” and would attract action as per the Rules and orders laid down by the Government in this behalf.
Earlier, while calling the bandh HNLC asked all effected by the NGT ban to support the shutdown in the entire Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
HNLC Publicity Secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said all people concerned should adhere to the shutdown of the HNLC.