TURA: The Songsak branch of State Bank of India (SBI) in East Garo Hills has been temporarily shut down following an extortion threat issued by an unknown militant group which has sent its branch manager into a tizzy.
Two weeks ago, the Branch manager received a threat from an unknown militant group which demanded that the bank pay up Rs 50,000 as ‘tax’ to the outfit for operating in the Garo Hills region.
Following the receipt of the message, the branch manager closed down the bank and informed the bank officials.
However, the Deputy Commissioner of the district, V K Mantri, has dismissed the threat and informed that the Songsak branch of SBI would be fully functioning from this coming Monday. He also informed that the branch was currently operating on a temporary basis from Williamnagar SBI following the decision of the branch manager to temporarily close down the bank and go on leave.
There are also reports of threat by militants to officials of FCI and distributors of food items in East Garo Hills.
Recently demand notes by militants were served to FCI officials and several fair price shops among others in the district.
