Closure of ‘defence routes’ continues to annoy residents

SHILLONG: The defence authorities’ decision to forbid civilians from using several routes in the city following the Pathankot terror attack in January is inconveniencing commuters.
Among the barred routes are the short cut to Police Bazar from Civil Hospital point (Pine Walk area), the footpath from Anjalee Complex to Butcher Road and the footpath from Pine Walk area to Butcher Road (near Bawri Netralaya).
Adding to the woes, the internal road from General’s Point to the one leading to Civil Hospital, which otherwise eased the traffic snarl to an extent, has also been closed by the army authorities.
This decision of the army has irked many citizens who are patiently waiting for a favourable response from the defence authorities before they knock on the door of the higher-ups.
These routes were made inaccessible to civilians earlier this year “for security reasons” following the terrorist attack on Pathankot Air Force Station on January 2 and months later the call to reopen the paths is only getting louder.
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner PS Dkhar said he had taken up the issue with the army but added that strict security measures have been enforced on all army establishments as directed by the defence authorities.
However, the district administration did not make clear the measures it would take to ensure that the routes are opened to public again.
Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, during the Assembly Session earlier this year, had said the army has debarred entry of pedestrians into defence areas in the city.
Earlier this year, the Air Force authority at Laitkor Station had closed down the gates preventing people from entering the Shillong Peak after a high alert was sounded in all key installations in the country following the Pathankot attack.