in the city on Monday. (ST)
SHILLONG: Despite repeated requests by the District Administration and police, commercial establishments in the city remained closed on Monday in the wake of the 12-hour bandh called by the proscribed HNLC.
The shut down called by the outfit, however, failed to affect the functioning of banks and a number of educational institutions most of which were conducting examinations.
While the Government pressed the maxi cabs and buses into service, many local taxis were also seen plying on the city roads even as the volume of passengers was considerably low when compared to a regular working day.
Government offices registered near normal attendance, officials informed. However, the number of working hours put in by the employees could not be verified.
According to figures given by East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, Sanjay Goyal, the overall attendance in government offices within East Khasi Hills was between 75 to 80 per cent while the attendance at the Office of the Deputy Commissioner was 99 per cent.
However, the Assembly Secretariat at Police Bazar wore a deserted look for a major part of the day.
Meanwhile, there was no report of any untoward incident from any part of the city during the shutdown.
It may be mentioned that elaborative security arrangements were made to ensure that law and order was upheld during the bandh.
Our Jowai correspondent adds: The 12-hour bandh passed off peacefully in East and West Jaintia Hills.
However, commercial establishments including shops and banking institutions reamied closed during the shutdown call. Besides, few vehicles were seen plying on the busy NH-44 during the bandh hours.
Students appearing for Class XI Examinations on Monday were confused and badly affected, particularly those coming from faraway places as there are no means of transport to ferry them to Jowai where most of the examination centres are located.
The District Administration of West Jaintia Hills claimed that 82.46 per cent attendance was recorded in government offices in the district while there was only a 30 per cent attendence in offices in East Jaintia Hills District.