Decision to reopen Police Bazaar, Iewduh on Monday

SHILLONG: Meghalaya government will take a decision on Monday in respect of re-opening of state’s main commercial hubs, Police Bazar and Iewduh which has remained under lock and key for two months because of unrelenting lockdown because of COVID-19 pandemic.

There has been growing demand for re-opening of these commercial hubs and government has been finally to compelled to work out details and protocols for opening these places.

Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong on Saturday told that reporters that there had been growing demands to open up the bigger markets of the State like Police Bazaar and Iewduh. “The state government has asked the East Khasi Hills Deputy commissioner to work out the details, protocols. A final decision in this regard will be taken on Monday after reviewing the matter,” he said.

Earlier, Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma remained non-committal on the re-opening of Iewduh market.

Speaking to media persons, Sangma said the government would like to see more and more economic activities take place even though they cannot compromise on the health aspect.

He said that the district administration and various stakeholders were discussing this matter and he hoped they would come up with an acceptable solution.

Meanwhile, West Shillong MLA Mohendro Rapsang on Saturday reiterated that the it was high time that the Government must partially open Iewduh as the economy and livelihood of thousands of the people who have shops there have been badly affected.

“The market has remained closed for more than sixty days and you can imagine their hardship,” he sad

He said that he is asking the Government to partially open the market by allowing shops which dealing with farming tools and shoe shops since these goods are hardly found in localities.

Rapsang also maintained that Iewduh has its own way of practicing social distancing much before the COVID-19 as customers in Iewduh are not allowed to enter the shop and they purchase goods from outside only.