SHILLONG: After putting restrictions on the movement of civilians in Shillong Peak through the defence area, the Defence authorities have now closed down the movement of civilians in areas like the footpath from Anjalee Complex to Butcher Road, the footpath from Pine Walk Area to Butcher Road (near Bawri Netralaya) and the footpath from Pine Walk Area to Police Bazar.
Group Captain Amit Mahajan, Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Defence, Shillong said that defence institutions all over the country are in the process of tightening security in the wake of recent Pathankot Air Field attack. Security threats to open cantonments have increased, he said.
He said that a considerable number of incidents have been reported in Shillong where a bomb exploded in the Cantonment Area recently and several theft cases have also been reported in various residential complexes of Army personnel.
“The Army authorities regret any inconvenience caused to pedestrians; however in view of the security situation and larger interest, all are requested to cooperate. A notice board to this effect has already been placed to inform the passersby,” the statement said.
MLA decries restriction
Meanwhile, West Shillong legislator Paul Lyngdoh expressed reservations against the restrictions on the movement of people in Shillong.
“It is rather absurd that the incident happened in Jammu and Kashmir and restrictions are being imposed here,” he said.
Terming the decision of the defense authorities to restrict movement of citizens as “over reaction”, Lyngdoh said the population of Shillong has always maintained a cordial relation with the men in uniform.
He said that the State government should immediately react against the restrictions since the defence personnel and their families are also using roads constructed by PWD, water provided by PHE and electricity provided by MeECL.
He recalled that during his tenure as Urban Affairs minister, the defence authorities had imposed restrictions on the road leading to Lady Keane College but later the State government got it re-opened.
Reacting to a query, he said the possession of land under Army control in Shillong also needs to be reduced further since the security concerns have now shifted to the western side of the country and the security threats posed by Bangladesh is history now.
“It is logical that the presence of defense authorities and land possession should be reduced and some policies are required to rationalize the entire matter,” Lyngdoh said.
