Bandh and rock concert to mark R-day in Meghalaya

Shillong, Jan 24 (PTI) This Republic Day half ofMeghalaya will be under the shadow of a bandh while the restwill be shaking their legs to the tune of rock music in ajamboree.

Out of the seven districts in the state, the fourKhasi-Jaintia districts will face the heat of a 24-hourcustomary shutdown called by the proscribed Khasi outfitHynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) to protest thecelebrations.

The bandh will be effective from 6 pm on January 25,HNLC publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said in astatement issued here.

However, the remaining three districts of Garo hillson the western side of the state will be bustling withactivities and celebrating Republic Day with a music concert.

Garo rebel group Achik National Volunteer Council(ANVC), which is under ceasefire since 2004, is organising arock concert to raise funds for the affected people of therecent ethnic clash between Garos and Rabhas that hit theAssam-Meghalaya border recently.

The concert will be held at Chandmari Ground at Tura,the district headquarter town of West Garo Hills.

"The whole concept of the concert is to extent supportto the affected families who have lost their homes andproperties. With the funds raised from the concert, we willhelp them in reconstructing their homes," ANVC spokespersonTorik Marak said.

The concert also aims at spreading the message ofpeace in the affected areas of the ethnic clash, he said.

Rock bands from Tura, including Keke, Titans and RipRap, are expected to perform during the concert.