No response to HNLC bandh on Saturday

SHILLONG: There was minimal response to the 24-hour bandh called by the proscribed HNLC in Shillong with shops continuing to remain open till late Saturday evening in almost all parts of the city.
The shutdown, which began at 6 pm on Saturday, failed to evoke any response from citizens as vehicles continued to ply several hours after the bandh began.
Unlike in the past, the Republic Day celebrations in Meghalaya this time are likely to be a normal affair without any threat.
However, in the wake of the ritualistic bandh called by the HNLC, the Government has made elaborate arrangements for security. Though there is no direct threat from the HNLC, police are keeping vigil to ensure peaceful celebrations of Republic Day.
Incidentally, none of the militant organizations in Garo Hills have announced boycott of the Republic Day celebrations.
A senior police official on Saturday said that the law and order  situation will be normal in the whole State since people now want peace.
Meanwhile, the HNLC has upheld its call for the ‘total shutdown’ throughout Khasi-Jaintia Hills region as a mark of its protest against the celebration of Republic Day.
The outfit also said that celebration of Saraswati Puja on Saturday was a mere ‘co-incidence’ and made it clear that it was against disrupting any kind of religious ceremony.