SHILLONG: Organisations such as the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) and the Federation of Khasi Jaintia Garo People (FKJGP) have expressed concern that certain banks and other institutions have not remained shut to mark the festival of Shad Suk Mynsiem.
In a statement issued here, the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) said it was saddened over the disregard shown to the festival.
The union said the indifferent attitude prevailed towards important festivals of the Hynniewtrep community such as Shad Suk Mynsiem, Pomblang Nongkrem, Behdeinkhlam, Seng Kut Snem and death anniversary of Pa’iem Tirot Sing, u Woh Kiang Nangbah, u Sngap Sing Syiem, u Pa’iem Wickliffe Syiem and Khasi bard Soso Tham.
“Even in previous years, the organisation would often go out and shut down the offices, schools and other enterprises due to this indifferent attitude,” the union said.
The union said many offices of companies, agencies and banks were open which disallowed Khasi employees who are following the traditional religion, from taking part in the festival. The union went on to say that the day has been declared a holiday for East Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi district.
In this connection, the union informed that its members were forced to shut down these offices located in these two districts.
The union pointed out that the Negotiable Instruments Act of Holidays for Banks does not include Shad Suk Mynsiem and Pomblang Nongkrem which is the reason behind the opening up for business.
In this connection, the union has urged the authorities in the banking sector to address the matter to ensure that the two festivals of the Khasis are to be included in the list of the Negotiable Instruments Act of Holidays for Banks.
With regard to companies and private enterprises, the union has warned them to show respect to the important festivals of the Khasis by shutting down business.
The union has urged the state government to ensure that the government offices, educational institutions, banks and private companies remain close on such days.
Further, the union said last year it was forced to close down some banks and private offices who worked on Good Friday. It warned to repeat the act if such enterprises choose to open on Good Friday.
Similarly, the FKJGP central body pointed out that branch of some banks was open on the occasion of Shad Suk Mynsiem which according to them is disrespect to the Khasi community.
In a statement issued here, the FKJGP has urged the state government to issue strict orders to financial institutions and educational institutions to respect the festivals of the Khasi community mainly observed by the followers of traditional religion.
The FKJGP has also warned the financial institutions and educational institutions to shut down their businesses in the future and if the state government does not take notice, the organization asserted they will resort to aggressive steps.