TURA, AUG 16: At least 2000 people joined the SBI employees’ rally on Saturday to show their solidarity in seeking the release of the bank employee Subodh Kumar Mishra, who was abducted at gunpoint from Gasuapara in South Garo Hills on August 5.
The bank employee union has also taken a decision to continue their indefinite strike across Garo hills, except in 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 the participation of employees 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 the 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, SP of 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 lakhs for his release.
“We are scared to go bank in 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 last,a petrol pump employee was shot dead in the outskirt of Tura, which prompted the closure of petrol pumps across Garo hills. Few pumps were opened today and 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 pumps strike has added to the bank strike making normal life in Garo hills extremely difficult.
“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 the youth Congress said.
Marak said, “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.”- From Our Correspondent
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