TURA, Sept 14 � Normal life was thrown out of gear throughout the three districts of Garo Hills following a two- day dawn to dusk bandh called from today by a joint group of student and social organisations which are opposing the upcoming municipal elections to four municipality boards slated to take place on September 29.
The Joint Action Committee of student and social organisations which called the two day strike forced people to stay indoors. Shops and business establishments remained shut and government offices functioned with a skeleton staff.
No untoward incidents were reported from any part of the three districts during the first day of the strike except for a suspected case of arson in a barber shop in Ringrey market here run by Biharis. The shop was completely gutted in a fire.
Tura town was a desolate picture with only magistrates� vehicles and police out on the streets to ensure no untoward incidents took place.
Almost all government offices, barring the DC and SP offices remained closed. Educational institutions remained closed and it was a similar picture with banks and other financial institutions. �No untoward incidents have been reported from any part of the three districts and apart from Tura most towns are open,� said Deputy Commissioner Sanjay Goyal.
Williamnagar town along with two other municipalities going to the polls � Resubelpara and Baghmara, also remained closed. However, no untoward incidents have been reported from any of these places.
The agitating NGOs are opposing the proposed elections claiming that it will dilute the powers of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council and the Nokmas to whom the land belongs. The organisations want further strengthening of the Council and the Nokmas with added powers and direct funding from the Centre.
However, despite the opposition from the NGOs, people from all walks of life have been coming forward to participate in the municipal polls. In Tura municipality board polls, 76 candidates have filed nominations.
