HNLC bandh fails to evoke response in Meghalaya

Shillong, Feb 23 (UNI) The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC)-sponsored 12-hour bandh in protest against Congress president Sonia Gandhi's visit to Meghalaya failed to make an impact in the state today.

Ms Gandhi arrived in Jowai, the district headquarters of Jaintia Hills, and addressed an election rally under tight security.

Meghalaya goes to polls on March 3.

There had been no report of any violence from any part of the state during the bandh period, Superintendent of Police A R Mawthoh told UNI here.

Almost all the business establishments remained open and traffic was usual. Financial institutions, however, remained closed.

Yesterday, HNLC spokesman Sainkupar Nongtraw alleged that the visit of Ms Gandhi to the state has no political ground but was only to mislead the people.

'' The Congress is responsible for forcibly annexing the Khasi land with India through the Instrument of Accession, breaching the standstill agreement by hijacking the freedom and national existence of the Ri U Hynniewtrep, '' he said in an e-mail.

The HNLC also protested the government's ''inability'' to bring the organisation to the negotiation table through a political dialogue.

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