By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Following requests from several quarters, the ANVC (B) has reduced duration of its December 20 Garo Hills bandh to six hours from original 12 hours.
Now the bandh, which according to the outfit has been called to remember those “freedom fighters” (militants) who sacrificed their lives, will be effective from 5 am to 12 pm.
Recently, the outfit’s commander-in-chief Mokosh Marak issued a communiqué mentioning that December 20 would be a day of closure in observance for those who fought and laid down their lives for the protection of the Garos.
The timing of calling the bandh was criticized by people of Garo Hills since it is a festive season.
The People’s Movement for Democratic Rights (PMDR) had asked the ANVC-B to call off its December 20 Garo Hills bandh saying the shut down will disrupt the peace and normalcy throughout Garo Hills which in itself contradicts the very essence of the Christmas spirit of peace, love and giving. The PMDR Vice-Chairman Lalnunthari D Shira said this in a statement.
The PMDR also appealed all the armed groups and the Government to suspend all operations against each other on mutual grounds considering the Christmas Spirit and the sentiments of the general public.
“Fulfillment of this request by both the Government and the armed groups on behalf of the people of Garo Hills shall be considered as a Christmas Gift”, Shira said.