Christmas spirit triumphs over violent stir in Pine City

SHILLONG: From autumn to winter it has been a disruptive spell of agitation waged by the pro-inner line permit (ILP) groups here. Nevertheless, it's been the high spirit of festivals that have literally triumphed over adverse situations since Durga Puja, Deepawali and now Christmas.
The call for a bandh on Monday given by the outlawed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) in the run-up to Christmas was literally given a thumps down by the public with people stomping the streets and singing Christmas carols all across the Pine City in the true Yuletide spirit.
The HNCL - a Khasi militant outfit - had called the bandh to demand the release of those arrested in the course of the ILP agitation, which was marked by violence, arson and killing of minority non-tribals in several parts of the state. However, people, cutting across all social barriers joined in to celebrate the festivals in a spirit of brotherhood in this largely cosmopolitan hill state.
"Every year we gather at the Ramakrishna Mission on Christmas Eve to offer prayers to Jesus Christ and also visit various churches and chapels in the city," says Sarita Gurung, an elderly denizen.
Meanwhile, midnight masses in churches across the state marked the birth of the 'Prince of Peace' Jesus Christ on Christmas Eve.
The state capital has been spruced up with decorative lightings and festoons on occasion of Christmas and the coming New Year with the state government having urged all government establishments, banks and financial institutions besides shops and business establishments to tastefully illuminate their respective premises to add to the festive fair.
With Christmas stars adorning house tops and evergreen pine trees with specks of morning frost giving them a natural look of the mythical Christmas trees. The aroma of cakes and pastries in almost all parts of this City of Orchids has only enhanced the spirit of Christmas here.