HNLC and LAEF boycotts Independence Day

Shillong, Aug 13 (UNI) The banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has called a 24-hour Meghalaya bandh on August 15 to protest the Independence Day celebrations.

The HNLC, a tribal Khasi militant outfit, operating in Khasi and Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, said the bandh will be effective from 1800 hours tomorrow.

HNLC's publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said that they would continue their ''20-year-old armed struggle for political and socio-economic development of the people.'' The patients, hospital attendants and milkmen have been kept out from the purview of bandh.

The Liberation Achik Elite Force also gave a call for boycotting the Independence Day celebrations in the three districts of Garo Hills.

LAEF convenor Chingkam Marak said they had called a 12-hour bandh beginning from 0600 to 1800 hours on August 15.

The LAEF, a tribal Garo militant group operating out of East Garo Hills district is led by a former Meghalaya Police constable Peter Marak, who is cooling his heels in Nagaland under the protection of the NSCN (I-M) militants.

''What have we gained all these years that such an occasion has to be celebrated?'' questioned Marak. He said that ''We have a right to protest as long as one's demands are not met.'' UNI