Bandh: Security tightened

SHILLONG, AUG 12: Security has been beefed up across the state including Shillong in view of the 48 hours total bandh called by a Khasi rebel outfit Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) ahead of Independence Day celebration even as the  Meghalaya police urged business establishments and commercial public transports to operate their businesses without fear.

The HNLC has also called for a 48 hours total shutdown from 6 pm of August 13 to 6 pm of August 15 to protest against NGT’s ban on coal mining as well as the policy of the centre government.

“We have made elaborate security arrangement,” East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police (SP) M Kharkrang told reporters. He said, “This is evident from the fact that the police have been able to track down the over ground workers of the outfit.”

Kharkhrang further assured that in the coming days, the security arrangement will be more intensive especially in Mawsynram area (where possibility of militants to cross over) which will be given more special care. He said, “A strong coordination with border security forces have also been made.”

Kharkhrang said he doesn’t see any reason why people should not come up from homes and do their normal activities as he felt there is no threat with the kind of security that is in place.

A senior official from the home department said, “Security forces in the state have been put on alert ahead of the August 15 Independence Day celebration in the state in view of the possibility of militants crossing over and all police stations have been directed to take necessary actions.

With bandh going to start from tomorrow, Kharkhrang appealed to all the commercial establishments in the capital to open their shops.  He said,“Similar appeal is also given to commercial vehicles to ply on the road as we assured adequate security.”

Meanwhile East Khasi hills district deputy commissioner  Sanjay Goyal said the state government is on the job for assessing the already extracted coal in East Khasi hills district in compliance with the NGT order. He said,“We would be completing the process within the prescribe time frame.” – By Our Reporter