Vendors, shoppers worst affected
SHILLONG: The ongoing agitation of pro-ILP groups is spelling a big blow for vendors and shopkeepers who essentially bank on tourists for meeting their daily requirements.
One such shopkeeper who owns a restaurant at Elephant Falls told media persons that the business has been severely affected due to the frequent bandhs and night road blockades.
“Very few tourists are coming here since the agitations have begun and it is our business that is suffering,” the shopkeeper said on the request of maintaining secrecy.
Over a dozen pressure groups have been insisting that the Inner Line Permit (ILP), a British-era law, be introduced to contain the migration of outsiders to the state. The ruling Congress-led Meghalaya United Alliance is, however, firm in opposing such an “archaic” step that it feels will hinder the state’s economic development by blocking investment from business.
The shopkeepers are of the apprehension that their business would totally collapse if the agitation continues for a longer period.
“In my view there should not be any bandh and there should be another mechanism to register protest,” the shopkeeper opined.
Despite the present bleak backdrop in Meghalaya, there are a handful of tourists who are still attracted to the beauty of Shillong and are visiting the place.
A tourist from Kolkata who was at Elephant Falls said, “I have come here since the place is very beautiful and people are very hospitable.”
He is also hoping that the agitators would not cause any unwanted situation for tourists who are only adding to the economy of the State and the local people.
The agitations have already dampened the celebrations of Durga Puja due to the night road blockade just ahead of the festive season.
Another tourist from Assam said that the Government can atleast provide security cover in tourist spots of the city which is frequented by tourists.
Similarly, some drivers of tourist vehicles, which ply along the Guwahati-Shillong highway, admitted that their business has seen a downward spiral due to the agitation.
A tourist vehicle driver stated that this period was the peak season for business to thrive as hundreds of tourists would visit Shillong but business is undergoing a slump in the present circumstances.
