Shutdown receives lukewarm response in Tura

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG, Oct 19: The call for shutdown of shops in Tura town on Wednesday to condole the death of a teeger after he was allegedly assaulted at Rishipara locality last week received lukewarm response with traders deciding otherwise.

On October 13, three youths were allegedly beaten at Rishipara, of which one succumbed to the injuries on October 15.

It may be mentioned that, a conglomerate of pressure groups of Garo Hills had called for a shutdown of shops and establishments from 5am to 5pm on Wednesday.

Multiple organizations under the banner of GHSSMC have called a shutdown of shops and business establishments in solidarity of a youth who is allegedly succumbed to injuries due to police excesses.

The Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills Pravin Bakshi told The Sentinel: “Normal life is usual within the periphery of Tura town. There were no untoward incidents during the shutdown called by the social groups”. He said the steps were taken to instill confidence and security amongst the people within the vicinity of the vulnerable area.

Going by reports, any untimely intervention might lead to commul flare up,but the district administration is well aware. Besides deployment of police force, elders of the civil societies were consulted to restore the much needed normalcy.

Meanwhile, the Meghalaya police suspended a sub-inspector attached with the Tura police station in West Garo Hills for allegation that he had manhandled a rescued youth from Risipara locality. On October 13, police had rescued three youth from the locality at midnight.