SHILLONG: The East Khasi Hills district administration has braced itself to counter any threat to peace and security in the city and elsewhere by deputing magistrates in various sectors of the city who have been asked to ensure that the 12-hour shutdown on Monday passes off peacefully.
The shutdown from 5 am to 5 pm has been called by as many as ten pressure groups who are demanding implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the State.
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Sanjay Goyal on Sunday informed that meetings have been conducted at the Thana level in all the localities to ensure peace and tranquility.
Fearing escalation of violence, the district administration has already promulgated Section 144 CrPC in the district.
The Deputy Commissioner, meanwhile, appealed to people not to pay any heed to rumours of arson and other violent acts.
The State Government has directed all heads of departments to ensure smooth functioning of their respective offices and has warned of appropriate action against any employee for remaining absent from duty on Monday.
The district administration has arranged transportation to enable Government employees to attend to their duties.
Various schools and colleges in the city have announced a holiday on Monday in view of the bandh call.
Meanwhile, heavy rush were seen in various markets across the city on Sunday as people resorted to last-minute purchases on the eve of the bandh.NGOs ready to ensure shutdown in Ri Bhoi.The MUA-II government is going to face an acid test on Monday to ensure peace during the 12-hour bandh call since the pressure groups are determined to put up a formidable show of strength to compel the government to accede to their demand of implementation of the ILP in the State.
A leader of a Ri Bhoi based organization, which is one of the ten groups that has called the bandh on Monday, reiterated that the pressure groups would intensify their agitation if the government chose to remain indifferent towards their demand for ILP.
Meanwhile, Ri Bhoi District Magistrate Pooja Pandey informed The Shillong Times that Section I44 CrPC has been imposed in the district and elaborate security arrangement have been put in place to ensure that the bandh remains incident-free. She mentioned that officials would be stationed in all parts of the districts along with police parties to ensure prompt response in case of any eventuality.
Pandey also informed that the district administration has arranged transportation for the government employees within the jurisdiction for the district.