Normal life was affected across Meghalaya during the bandh called by the North East Student’s Organisation (NESO) on Tuesday in protest against the Central government’s decision to go ahead with the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016.
The Khasi Student’s Union, and Garo Students’ Union, which are part of NESO took the lead in organising the shutdown in Meghalaya. Several other organisations also supported the bandh.
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Government offices, educational and financial institutions remained closed, while vehicles were off the road during the bandh. The shutters were down in the shop-markets- business establishments.
Supporters of the bandh blocked the roads by placing boulders and burnt tyres on the roads to prevent movement of vehicles during the shutdown hours.
In Shillong city, few vehicles were damaged as miscreants destroyed windshields and other parts.
Attendance in the government offices was very poor.
The government said that in East Khasi Hills the attendance was 42 per cent, East Jaintia Hills 67.1 per cent, Ri Bhoi 50 per cent, West Jaintia Hills 81.33 per cent, West Khasi Hills 10 per cent, South West Khasi Hills 84.85 per cent, North Garo Hills 60 per cent, South West Garo Hills 55.1 per cent, West Garo Hills 85 per cent, South Garo Hills 62 per cent and East Garo Hills 75 per cent.