Banks urged to respect sentiment of majority Christian believers
Shillong, Sept 27: Pressure groups across Meghalaya forced closure of banks that opened on Sunday following a government order in view of the three-day nationwide bank strike starting Monday.
Sunday is considered sacred and a holiday for all in the Christian majority state.
Branches of State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank, Meghalaya Rural Bank, Indian Overseas Bank and UCO Bank were among others that faced the ire of activists of Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), HITO and Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organizatins (CoMSO) for keeping open on Sunday.
In Garo Hills, the Achik Youth Welfare Organization led the shutdown in all five districts of the region.
The KSU, through its district, circle and unit wings, carried out checks across Khasi and Jaintia region and shut bank branches in East Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, Eastern West Khasi Hills and both Jaintia Hills districts.
The KSU said the drive was not just an enforcement but a message.
“This action is to clearly demonstrate that Sunday is a sacred day with special meaning for Christian believers in our land,” a KSU statement said.
It said the closure was to demand respect for the day of worship in a state where the majority are Christians.
“We appeal to all banks to respect the special nature of this day so that employees also get time with their families and can fulfil their religious duties,” KSU assistant publicity secretary Pynshngaiñ Lyngdoh Lyngkhoi said.
The HITO said its central and district leaders visited PNB, SBI, South Indian Bank, YES Bank, Canara Bank and Central Bank of India branches in Mawkyrwat, Dawki, Shillong, Mairang and other areas.
After receiving information that banks would open on Sunday, “We decided to go to the branches that opened, to express our opposition and to urge the authorities to respect the sanctity of Sunday in Meghalaya,” HITO said.
The organisation acknowledged the Ministry of Finance directive asking public sector and regional rural banks to work on September 27 ahead of the proposed nationwide bank strike from September 28 to 30 for public convenience.
“While we understand the need to maintain banking services, running government or bank work should not undermine Sunday, which is a day for church service, worship, prayer and togetherness with family and society in Meghalaya,” HITO said, urging authorities to consider the state’s “special religious and socio-cultural identity” before imposing such decisions.
In Garo Hills, organisations including AAYS, ADE, AYWO, FAF, FKJGP and GSU, among others, were seen at bank branches at various locations, calling for them to remain closed on Sundays.
The organisations said Sunday holds particular significance for the Garo population, especially the Christian community, as it is observed for prayer, worship and church services.
They also raised concerns about bank employees, insisting that Sunday should be treated as a regular weekly day of rest, allowing them to relax with their families, take a break from their daily activities and attend church services.
The groups said requiring bank employees to work on Sundays prevents them from observing their day of worship and spending a common day off with their families.
The organisations said the action was aimed at creating awareness about the socio-religious sentiment of Garo Hills residents and highlighting the importance of weekly rest for bank employees.
