SHILLONG: West Shillong MLA Paul Lyngdoh has asked Chief Minister Mukul Sangma to take up with defence authorities the issue of roads in Shillong Cantonment areas which are closed for civilians.
In a petition to Sangma here on Thursday, Lyngdoh said citizens have been complaining about the closure of the roads, especially the one opposite to Civil Hospital and in Mawshbuit area.
The legislator pointed out that proper procedure in restricting roads was not followed. “The footpath from Anjalee Cinema Hall leading to Zigzag Road near Bawri Nethralaya has been completely sealed,” he said.
Referring to a letter dated January 9, 2015, issued by the Additional Director General (cantonments), Directorate General Defence Estates, New Delhi to all principal directors of defence estates, Lyngdoh quoted the letter saying, “Public roads in cantonments are being closed by local military authorities without any statutory information and without following the procedures prescribed in Section 258 of The Cantonments Act, 2006.”
The letter also said it has been decided that no public road, outside unit lines, in a cantonment shall be closed by any authority other than a cantonment board for any reasons other than security and without following the procedure laid down under Section 258 of The Cantonments Act, 2006.
“If in the opinion of the local military authorities, any road needs to be closed for security reasons, it will approach the local cantonment board to set the process in motion as required under Section 258 of The Cantonments Act, 2006,” it had said.
The petition came after defence authorities closed down the movement of civilians in areas like on the footpath from Anjalee Complex to Butcher Road, the one from Pine Walk Area to Butcher Road near Bawri Nethralaya and the other from Pine Walk Area to Police Bazar due to security threats.
During Lyngdoh’s tenure as Urban Affairs minister, the defence authorities had imposed restrictions on the road leading to Lady Keane College but later the Government got it reopened.
Army stand
The army, however defended its decision, in response to a July 25 report published in this daily regarding the difficulties being faced by civilians.
Regarding the decision to restrict the roads to civilians, the army said it was for security and not intended to add to traffic problems.
“This was in the backdrop of unfortunate terrorist attacks on various army installations across the country in the recent past. Footpaths connecting defence complexes to some civil markets were primarily meant for defence personnel and their families, but which also permitted movement of civilians through defence areas were closed down for the same reason,” the army said in a statement.
It also stated that the changes in routes are intimated to the office of the East Khasi Hills DC.
“The Army authorities regret any inconvenience caused to the public. However, in view of the security situation, all are requested to cooperate,” is all the army has to say.
