Army sets timing for cantonment roads

SHILLONG: The order of the Union Defence Ministry to open all roads closed by the local army authorities across the country has helped in easing traffic congestion in the city.
However, with the army setting up timings for opening and closing of gates has again added to the traffic woes. In Rhino point, the gates open at 5 am and closes down at 5 pm, a traffic police at Rhino said, adding that once the gate is closed, traffic increases in the area.
On inquiring, they were told that the order to close the gate came from the top.
East Khasi Hills SP, Davis Marak said that the police through the state government will definitely explore the possibility of taking up the matter with the army authorities.
However, though the Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had earlier passed an order that all army roads in 62 cantonments across the country be opened for civilians, the shortcut road from Anjalee that leads to Shani Madir and Police Bazar is still closed.
A case is pending in the HC of Meghalaya against the closure of roads by the defence authorities. In May last, the court had also sent notice to authorities based on the petition demanding opening of the closed cantonment roads. The petition said the roads were closed illegally as it is against Article 19(1)(d) of the Constitution, which states that citizens can move freely throughout India.