Students, traders worst affected by curfew

SHILLONG: Schools and commercial activities have been the worst affected by the turmoil in the city.
Stating that schools in volatile areas are facing unprecedented difficulty, a teacher of KJP Higher Secondary School, Babu Kular Khongjirem likened the sudden change of events to an earthquake.
“We have to take students into consideration, especially at a time when examination is knocking on the door. Teachers are concerned as some courses are not complete. With the curfew imposed, it would be difficult to postpone the examinations,” he told The Shillong Times.
Curfew has been imposed in Jaiaw, Mawkhar, Umsohsun, Riatsamthiah, Wahingdoh, Mission Compound, Mawprem, Lumdiengjri, Lama Villa, Qualapatty, Wahthapbru, Sunny Hill, Cantonment, Mawlong Hat, including Cantonment Beat House areas (excluding localities beyond the Umshyrpi bridge).
“We yearn for peace. There should not be use of force and violence. Instead, legal route should be taken so that the government can also solve the problem of the public. The government also has to look into the grievances of the public. Who wants violence,” said Khongjirem.
Besides educational institutes, commercial activities at Iewduh have come to a standstill affecting daily life of residents and livelihood of hundreds of small-time traders.
Meanwhile, Korbar Lyngdoh Nonglait, a member of Nongiew Association (NIA), said the curfew has affected business of the traders at Iewduh.
“The loss is very high on perishable commodities such as fish, fruits and vegetables. The government should at least give 4-5 hours for traders to sell their items. If not, it is a waste of money,” he said.
Nonglait supported the call for relocating the residents of Punjabi Lane.