Meghalaya, July 14, 2023: In a surprising turn of events, the Meghalaya government has reversed its decision to close all shops in Shillong by 10 pm following strong opposition from local hawkers. The initial plan aimed to maintain law and order in the city but faced significant backlash.

Additionally, the government has temporarily suspended the implementation of an odd-even rule for commercial vehicles in the Khyndailad-Motphran area due to protests by taxi drivers and concerns about traffic congestion.

Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong conducted a thorough review meeting on the matter and subsequently issued new instructions to the district administration. As a result, the government has decided to modify the original order and limit the opening hours of businesses in three specific areas of Shillong until 11.30 pm. Tynsong emphasized the need for improved policing in these areas to ensure safety and security.

Responding to the situation, East Khasi Hills district Deputy Commissioner R M Kurbah revoked the previous order and issued a fresh notification. This new directive allows food stalls in the Khyndailad, Polo, and Urkaliar areas, which were adversely affected by the restrictions, to remain open until 11.30 pm.

The decision to impose the initial order arose from a recent incident involving a drunken brawl in the Laitumkhrah area. The altercation escalated into a mob attack on a nearby police station, resulting in the torching of four vehicles. However, hawkers, particularly those operating makeshift food stalls, vehemently opposed the restrictions and voiced their dissent during the enforcement agencies’ visit to the Khyndailad area.

To address the concerns raised by various ministers and political parties within the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance, the government reconsidered its stance. Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh criticized the order, arguing that punishing the entire city for a minor incident in a specific locality would tarnish its positive image. Similarly, BJP state unit vice president Bernard Marak expressed that the order instilled fear among the people.

With the withdrawal of the initial order and the introduction of revised regulations, the Meghalaya government aims to strike a balance between maintaining law and order and addressing the grievances of the hawkers and taxi drivers.