"Night curfew" partially withdrawn in Meghalaya

Shillong, Mar 15 (UNI) The indefinite 'night curfew' imposed by mass organisations in Meghalaya was partially withdrawn today after Chief Minister D D Lapang assured the agitating Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF) leaders to concentrate on development activities.

However, the Garo Student's Union refused to bow down and decided to continue with the indefinite 'curfew' in the three districts of Garo Hills.

'' We are not so cheap that we will surrender before Mr Lapang.

The indefinite 'curfew' will continue till the Chief inister resigns,'' GSU President, Khasi Hills Zone, Aldo Sangma told UNI here today.

About five organisations led by HNYF had called for an indefinite 'night curfew' on March 10, protesting against the reinstatement of Mr Lapang as the Chief Minister .

The 'night curfew', which starts from 1900 to 0500 hours since March 12, had disrupted vehicular movement along NH 40 and 44, that connects Tripura, Mizoram, Barak Valley of Asom and Manipur.

''We have decided to withdraw our agitation following the Chief Minister's assurance that he will concentrate more on development activities rather than indulging in changing of guards in the state every now and then,'' HNYF political secretary S K Blah told reporters after a meeting with Mr Lapang.

Mr Lapang today held a closed-door meeting with the HNYF members and assured them to look into all their grievances, including the Shillong by-pass road and dyfunct health centres in the rural areas.

UNI