ILP: Huge turnout, shops down shutters

Shillong, November 30: There was a huge turnout for the ILP meeting at Students’ Field in Jaiaw on Saturday afternoon even as security were tightened in all the entry points leading to Jaiaw but the presence of security forces inside Jaiaw and in the venue was almost zero except for the few traffic policemen who were regulating traffic.

In apprehension of troubles, business establishment in Khyndailad (Police Bazaar), GS road leading toward Iewduh, Mawkhar and Jaiaw were most closed.

Heavy securities were seen in the entry and exit points to Jaiaw. East Khasi hills SP M Kharkhrang along with his senior officers were seen monitoring the situation at the Iewduh the entry point to Mawkhar and Jaiaw even before the ILP meeting called by the thirteen ngos got off at the Students Field.

Fire tenders, riot vehicles with the SOT in tow were kept ready at the entry point in Mawkhar. Around 1 pm, Kharkhrang said that there were enough police forces to keep vigil during and after the ILP meeting should things go awry.

Most of the shops in Khyndailad were closed except for few inside the bazaar. The shops along the GS Road leading towards Iewduh were all closed. Even in Mawkhar and Jaiaw most of the shops were closed even before the meeting started.

There was a huge turnout of people attending the ILP meeting. People came to attend the meeting from Garo hills, West Khasi hills, Ri Bhoi and Jaintia hills district besides the ILP supporters from the East Khasi hills district.

The traffic was also thin as most of the local taxis were off the roads. However some of the local taxis were seen plying in different parts of the city.

Fire tenders and security personnel were also seen in near the two secretariats in IGP points. However in other parts of the city like Laitumkhrah, Nongthymmai, Rynjah and other localities shops and business establishments were open as thing appeared normal. – By Our Reporter