FINANCIAL transactions of the State Bank of India (SBI) Bajengdoba branch in East Garo Hills have come to a standstill following the abduction of the branch manager by suspected ANVC militants. The bank continues to remain closed in view of the incident. The branch manager, Satyaban Pareh, was abducted by three local youth a few days back. He had left the Bank shortly after three pm along with the cahier and was walking towards the main road to catch a bus for his home in Krishnai, Assam. Suddenly three local youth appeared on the scene in an auto rickshaw ordered Pareh into the vehicle and sped away leaving the cashier behind. Lately, the State Bank of India has been bearing the brunt of militancy in the Garo Hills. Militants have repeatedly served demand notes on SBI branches resulting in the closure of  branches in remote areas. In 2001, the Chokpot branch of SBI in South Garo Hills was closed down following a demand note from the ANVC. The Oidoba branch in West Garo Hills was closed down last year when ULFA militants sought tax from the branch manager. At the beginning of this year, shutters were downed on the Garobadha branch following ANVC threats. The bank authorities decided to shift the Garobadha branch towards Tura, which was objected upon by the public of Garobadha since Garobadha is commercial town.

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