Shops at Police Bazar and GS Road on Shillong remained closed on Wednesday afternoon ahead of a public gathering organised by the Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (COMSO) at Motphran (Bara Bazar). Shop owners said they decided to close their establishments after receiving requests from a section of pressure groups.
However, a few local shopkeepers claimed that they voluntarily shut down their businesses in support of the ongoing movement in the Garo Hills. Meanwhile, security arrangements in and around Motphran and adjoining areas were strengthened in view of the public meeting. The gathering, called by COMSO, has been organised as a show of solidarity with the Achik (Garo) community, which has been staging protests over what it alleges is a rise in illegal immigration from Bangladesh.
According to leaders of the organisation, the issue of alleged infiltration poses a serious threat to the state’s demographic balance, land rights and constitutional safeguards meant for indigenous communities. In a statement, CoMSO said the meeting aims to demonstrate unity among indigenous groups in protecting their land, culture and identity.
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