SHILLONG: Traffic snarls in Shillong have evolved into a major problem for commuters in the city over time, but this is compounded by VIP vehicles which show no regard for the stranded in their hurry to reach their destinations.
One such instance was witnessed on Saturday when a senior armed forces officer was travelling along with two pilot vehicles which were escorting him from Civil Hospital to the Rhino point.
Even though traffic had been brought to a standstill, courtesy the usual congestion, the army vehicles forced their way into the middle of the congested road in order to make way for the ‘VIP.’
The motorcade entered the pine walk area where army officers have their residential quarters while traffic cops stationed at the junction facilitated his movement.
Most people were left wondering as to how the VIP vehicles were free to drive at quite a considerable speed even when the roads were clogged.
Apart from the army, there are several VIPs in the state who seem to dislike slowing down their vehicles in traffic and use their blaring sirens and beacons to clear the roads for themselves. One can almost say that this is a common trend in Shillong when it comes to movement of VIPs.
Toki Blah, a prominent citizen of Shillong, while sharing his thoughts on the issue, said that VIP vehicles overtaking during traffic jams is an irresponsible act of arrogance and only adds to the problems of the common man.
Echoing similar views, CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing said that there are indeed instances when VIPs have to rush to attend to important and immediate matters but still rules should be applicable to all.
“If the VIPs show some respect for others, the common people too would be nice to them and give them passage,” she said.
A source in the Shillong Traffic Police, requesting anonymity, said that they have no other option but to give the right of way to those VIPs who have Z+ category security which includes the chief minister, Governor and top officials of the armed forces.
The source stated that in most situations, traffic personnel often have to face stiff resistance from the army when they move out in the city which has resulted in various altercations taking place between them.
The source also said that in busy areas such as Police Bazar or Laitumkhrah, some VIPs irrespective of whether they belong to the army or the state government, have made it very clear that only the vehicles of the VIPs will be allowed to park on roadsides near the venue while their escorts are left to find their own parkng spaces.
