TURA, Nov 11 - In a surprise move that comes at a time when the entire country is struggling with the after-effects of demonetisation, banks and ATMs remained shut in Garo Hills and rest of Meghalaya providing citizens no respite from the shortage of currency that everyone faces.
While the day has been declared a State holiday on the occasion of �Wangala� celebrations, it was expected that banks would forgo the holiday, especially with the RBI asking banks to open even on Saturday and Sunday.
The move came without any warning leading to customers queuing up early morning in front of banks in the hope of depositing money as well as withdrawing for meeting their daily requirements. Their hopes were, however, dashed as bank shutters remained down.
�I reached the bank early morning to beat the queue but was absolutely disappointed. Even ATMs were closed adding to the problems,� said a despondent resident, Allan Sylvester R Marak of Tura.
Only the ATM of IndusInd bank remained open and emptied out at about 1 pm. The ATM was later filled in by the branch and till the filing of the report remained open.
Upon being contacted, the Deputy Commissioner clarified that there were no directions to the banks to take the day off.
�Till yesterday we were of the knowledge that banks would remain open today to ease the problems being faced by the public but we are also surprised by the move,� said DC Bakshi.
