Tura, Aug 16: At least 2000 people joined SBI employee’s rally today
here to show their solidarity seeking release of Subodh Kumar Mishra,
who was abducted at gunpoint from Gasuapara in South Garo Hills on
August 5.
The bank employee union has taken a decision to continue their
indefinite strike across Garo hills, except five of its branch, which
will remain open in Tura from Monday.
SBI has 41 branches spread across five districts of Garo hills in
Meghalaya. The silent peace rally began at 2:30 pm from Chandmari
branch and passed through the main through fare of the town.
The rally saw participation of other banks, senior citizens, church
leaders, Mother’s union, Tura government college students union, Garo
students union, A’chik Youth Welfare Society and activists of National
people’s party and Indian youth congress.
The closure of the bank for the last one week has crippled the region.
The banks were open on Thursday and Saturday, which brought temporary
relief to the people.
“We had to stand in long queue for almost 2 hour today to withdraw
money from the SBI ATMs. We express our solidarity with the bank and
support their strike”, said Roshan Sangma, a college student.
“We have continued our search operation for the last 10 days but we
have not made any headway so far”, said Lakador Syiem, superintendent
of police, South Garo Hills.
Mishra’s abductor, who had reduced their demand from Rs. 1 crore to
Rs. 5 lakh, has made fresh demand for Rs. 50 lakh.
“We are scared to go bank to remote areas and work. If the situation
continues, we will have no other option but to leave Garo hills”, said
an agitated bank official, who participated in the rally.
Another bank official said, “We are demoralized with the deplorable
law and order situation. We are here to serve the people. If bank
employees are targeted by militant outfits time and again, how can we
work?”
Kidnapping and killing has been on the rise in Garo hills. On Tuesday,
a petrol pump employee was shot dead in the outskirt of Tura, which
promoted closure of petrol pumps across Garo hills. Few pumps were
opened today, which saw heavy rush. Customers had to line up for
several hours to pour fuel, which had limit of 5 liters for light
motor vehicle and 3 liters for two wheelers.
The petrol pump strike has brought life to a grinding halt.
“We condemn the kidnapping of SBI employee and cold blooded murder of
petrol pump employee. Everyone should condemn the barbaric act of the
militants. We don’t want our future to grow up with the fear that any
moment we might be dead if we step out. Instead of trying to tear
apart our land, we should educate our young one”, said Richeart Marak,
an activist of youth congress.
He added, “If we are so worried about our culture being lost, we
should teach our children our past, achievements, language and
culture. Most of all, we should teach ourselves and our children the
dignity of labour. Isolation will never help us grow. It will restrict
horizons thereby stunting our growth in all areas”.
Urging all concerned not to politicize the issue, Marak said, “The
issue of Garoland should not be used to play with the sentiments of
the people, to create unrest and uncertainty. It is everyone’s
collective responsibility to bring peace. Only police and the
government are not responsible”.(SP News)
