Security arrangements to be beefed up for Amit Shah: police
SHILLONG: The proscribed HNLC on Sunday called for a 12-hour shutdown starting from 5 am on April 22 to protest BJP president Amit Shah’s visit to the State.
Announcing this, the outfit said the shutdown was called in protest against the Indian political leadership and the alleged atrocities perpetrated by the “Sangh Parivar” on minorities.
Shah, who recently visited Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur, is scheduled to arrive here from Sikkim on April 22 for a day-long visit.
He will address BJP workers and hold a series of meetings with leaders of regional political parties, besides holding a separate meeting with church leaders and civil society groups.
According to the outfit, BJP-led NDA government’s plan to clamp ban on cow slaughter shall snatch away employment opportunities from thousands of families in the Hynñiewtrep.
“Instead of that, it should impose a ban on the sale of liquor and tobacco,” HNLC spokesman Sainkupar Nongtraw said.
Alleging that the BJP was re-writing the constitution for establishing a Hindu state, the outfit warned: “If the BJP, RSS and VHP do not stop their religious fanatic policies then the BJP should close down all its party offices in Khasi and Jaintia hills and members of the BJP, candidates contesting elections shall bear the wrath of the HNLC.”
The outfit also criticized both the Centre and State government for their failure to appoint an interlocutor to initiate peace talks with the outfit.
However, BJP’s Meghalaya unit has made elaborate arrangements to welcome its national president.
“We have made all necessary arrangements to ensure a successful visit by Shah to Meghalaya,” BJP general secretary Dipayan Chakraborty told a news agency.
On the other hand, Meghalaya Police said elaborate security arrangement would be made for the BJP national president to ensure his safety and security.
“The police will provide security to Amit Shah as he is a Z-plus protectee and also to ensure his safety and security during his visit to the state,” a police officer said. (With inputs from IANS)