SHILLONG: The one month-long FIFA World Cup football extravaganza ends on Sunday, and with it, Shillong’s engagement with the quadrennial showpiece will also conclude.
The city has geared up for the final with residents mostly opting for watching the match in the flat screens of their cozy rooms.
The fans are divided over their choice of the winner on Sunday, albeit the new sensation, Croatia have the momentum as they aim to give powerhouse, France, a serious run for their money.
Unlike in the previous years, not many localities have put up giant screens to view the matches probably due to the prevailing law and order situation as night curfew is still on.
In the city, a giant screen was put up in Polo and the football lovers had thronged the area from the semi-finals. The scene was similar in Jowai where a big screen was put up.
In Tura and other towns as well, organisers in different localities are setting up giant screens on open grounds for soccer fans to watch the live telecast.
Only about a month back, Shillong was limping back to normal and recovering from a serious law and order problem. And when like a blessing in disguise the World Cup got under way on June 14, it was as if the city could not have had a better prescription to divert attention after days of unrest.
From May 31 till mid-June middle, the law and order situation in the city was tense over the affairs involving Sweepers’ Lane.
Though the situation is under control now, night curfew is yet to be withdrawn. The additional security forces that were deployed will remain for some more time as well.
A senior police official admitted that the attention of the people towards football has helped in channeling the energy for constructive purpose.
Police are likely to tighten vigil in the coming days in parts of the city till the Sweepers’ Lane issue is settled.
