SHILLONG, MAR 16: The State Bank of India began restocking machines across Garo Hills on Monday after an ongoing internet suspension and curfew left residents scrambling for cash, according to a West Garo Hills DIPR release.
The Garo Hills branch said loading operations were underway and most SBI ATMs were expected to turn normal within half an hour. By afternoon, the bank listed 20 sites dispensing cash — Tura Main Branch, New Tura, Chandmari, Thakurbari, DC Office, Tura Super Market, 128 Bn CRPF, BSF Dhanagre, Hallydaygunj, Tikrikilla, Rongram, Jengjal, New Bhaitbari, Dobasipara and Mahendraganj among them — with work continuing on remaining machines.
“SBI officials have further informed that cash loading in the remaining ATMs is currently in progress and the machines will be made operational shortly,” a statement issued on Monday said.
“Members of the public are advised not to panic, as steps are being taken to restore normal cash availability.”
The crunch stems from last week’s flare‑up over proposed amendments to candidate‑eligibility rules for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, which prompted arrests, evening curfews and the digital clampdown.
Daily wage earners and small traders in Tura, Phulbari and Tikrikilla have reported difficulty paying for essentials, though authorities said the cash run was easing as replenished ATMs came online.
No timeline has been set for lifting the internet ban. District officials said efforts to stabilize frontline services would continue while talks proceed on the eligibility question — now deferred by a six‑month extension of the GHADC term announced earlier today.
By Our Reporter
