SHILLONG: Two ward commissioners of the Shillong Cantonment Board have accused the defence establishments in the city of playing the role of a “dictator” by closing the approach roads in defence and Shillong Cantonment Board areas to civilians.
A meeting of the Shillong Cantonment Board on Wednesday discussed the matter pertaining to the closure of the roads.
Speaking to media persons, Ward Commissioner Vikash Gupta said the defence authorities have illegally closed the two approach roads for the last three years and this has created problems for those coming from rural areas and even students.
One of the roads is from Rhino Point to Police Bazar and Lady Keane School and College also falls on the stretch. Another road is a small stretch from Anjalee Cinema Hall, which ends near Shani mandir, and this road too is closed.
Gupta said all the members, including the CEO of the Shillong Cantonment Board, were in favour of reopening the road but the Station Commander of 101 area, Brigadier Amrit Lal, did not allow citing security reasons.
On the other hand, another Ward Commissioner and vice president of the Board, Parasmal Bothra, said the two roads were closed without following Section 258 of the Cantonment Act which states that the authorities must call for public notice inviting views. “This section was not followed and the road was closed illegally,” he added.
The ward commissioners even urged the public not to remain quiet and speak out about the problems while lamenting that the State Government could have done a lot by intervening in the matter but instead it is mum.
Defence Public Relations Officer Suneet Newton later said the local military authorities in Shillong have put restrictions on movement on certain roads lying within the Army Area based on security concerns.
It was also informed that “the local administration of Shillong has been intimated that in special circumstances and during abnormal traffic conditions on a case-to-case basis, the roads can be opened for a limited period on request and in coordination with the local military authorities”.
He further added that it has to be appreciated that security of defence installations is of paramount importance and any compromise on the same can be adversely detrimental and should not be acceptable to any one of them.
