Closure of gates, harassment by defence personnel
SHILLONG: A day after Chief Minister Mukul Sangma expressed his anger and annoyance over the reply of PWD (Roads) Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar to a question raised by Titosstarwell Chyne (UDP) on the issues related to denial of entry of people to Shillong Peak by the Air Force authorities, the Minister presented a “corrected reply” in the Assembly on Tuesday.
In his written reply, the minister stated that the Air Force authority at Laitkor Station closed down the gate since January 2, 2016 after a high alert was sounded following the attack on the Pathankot Air Base.
“The Air Force authority informed that the gate would be opened only after the current situation subsides and entry through the gate would be restricted till such time,” Dhar stated adding that at present the gate is opened on restricted hours for tourists to enable the vendors to sell their items.
“The Air Force is ready to provide assistance to the shopkeepers/ vendors,” Dhar added.
Referring to the alleged harassment of residents of Pomlakrai village by the Air Force authorities, Dhar said that the newly constructed boundary wall of the Army authority in its area had resulted in the blocking of the temporary gate used by villagers as a shortcut.
“The villagers are allowed to use the main gate for all purposes but they have to take a detour of about 600-700 metres and at the main gate there is a sentry to monitor the daily entries and exits by the local residents,” Dhar stated.