SHILLONG: Two Ward Commissioners of the Shillong Cantonment Board (SCB) have alleged that the Defence establishments in the city acted like a “dictator” by closing down the approach roads for civilian population in Defence and Shillong Cantonment Board areas.
A meeting of the Shillong Cantonment Board which was held here on Wednesday discussed the matter pertaining to the closure of the approach roads.
Speaking to media persons, Ward Commissioner, Vikash Gupta said that the Defence authorities had illegally closed two approach roads in the city since last three years which has created problems for villagers coming from rural areas and even students.
One of the roads which has been closed is the road from Rhino point to Police Bazar and the famous Lady Keane School and College also falls right in the middle of the stretch. Another road is a small road from Anjalee Cinema Hall which ends near the Sunny mandir and this road too is closed.
He said that all the members including the CEO of the Shillong Cantonment Board was in the favour of opening the road but the Station Commander of 101 area, Brigadier Amrit Lal did not allow the road to be open citing security reason for the uniformed personnel.
On the other hand, another Ward Commissioner and vice-president of the Shillong Cantonment Board, Parasmath Bothra said that the two roads were closed without following the Section 258 of the Cantonment Board which states that the authorities must call for public notice inviting claims and objections before closing any road.
“This section was not followed and the road was closed illegally,”
The two ward Commissioners even urged the public of Shillong not to remain quiet and speak out about the problem while lamenting that the State Government could have done a lot by intervening into the matter but it had remained mum on the entire matter.
