HNLC bandh evokes mixed response

SHILLONG: The 24-hour HNLC bandh passed off peacefully, with no law and order problems being reported in the city.
The 24-hour bandh which began on Tuesday evening affected the entire Khasi and Jaintia Hills as all commercial establishments, in these regions, remained closed throughout the day.
The Government offices, including the Secretariat, in the capital, functioned normally with an almost usual attendance. However most of the employees who attended, reportedly, left for their homes by 3 pm.
Other offices, including financial and educational institutions had to be closed due to poor employee/student attendance.
Though shops were closed during the day, many local taxis and Government vehicles plied in the city normally. The traders had assured the District Administration that they would run their businesses in Iewduh, however none of the shops were open in Bara Bazaar, throughout the day, a State Government official told The Shillong Times.
Elaborative security arrangements were planned as Meghalaya Police and BSF personnel were seen patrolling the streets during the bandh on Tuesday
The attendance percentage of Government employees in East Khasi Hills was 81.6 percent. The same for employees in West Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills, South West Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi was 59, 85, 55, 65 and 65 percent, respectively.