SHILLONG — The Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) on Saturday issued a final warning to banks and other financial institutions in Meghalaya against opening for regular operations on Sunday, September 27, and specifically called on the eight newly inducted BJP MLAs to intervene.
In a statement issued by JSU president Jersom Shylla, the union directed financial institutions across the state, including commercial banks, small finance banks, cooperative banks and Regional Rural Banks, to remain closed on Sunday. It particularly named branches operating in East Jaintia Hills and West Jaintia Hills, asking them not to conduct normal banking operations.
The JSU said Sunday has religious and cultural significance in Meghalaya and described the decision to open banks as a matter requiring immediate reconsideration. It warned financial institutions against proceeding with Sunday operations and said the responsibility for any action arising from defiance would rest with the institutions concerned.
The union also directly appealed to the eight UDP MLAs who recently joined the BJP, asking them to intervene in the matter. JSU said that if the legislators genuinely value the Christian community and intend to work for Christians, they should immediately take up the issue with the authorities.
The Centre had directed all Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks to function normally on September 27 because a proposed three-day nationwide bank strike is scheduled from September 28 to 30, following the weekend holidays. The RBI has also approved the operation of bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests on Sunday.
The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) had already issued its own final notice to banks, warning that it would mobilise people and constituent organisations if banks opened for regular operations on Sunday. CoMSO said it was not opposed to uninterrupted banking services but questioned why alternatives such as extended working hours, digital services and limited emergency arrangements could not be used.
The Voice of the People Party (VPP) has also opposed the Sunday banking directive, citing the religious significance of Sunday in Meghalaya.
