Army denies role in city traffic congestion

SHILLONG: The Army denied any role in creating traffic congestion in parts of the city. In response to a news report regarding traffic snarl, a statement issued by the Defence public relations officer said the movement of senior officers does not in anyway create traffic congestions and due care is taken of the ground realities.
On the contrary, they are fully alive to the traffic problems of Shillong, the Defence authorities have facilitated the movement of civilian vehicles through the Army areas wherever required in a positive coordinated effort with the civil police, it said.
According to the statement, the Army does not have a ‘VIP’ culture and does not use sirens or beacons. “The senior military officers due to the sensitivity of their appointment are entitled to close protection and guide or pilot vehicles but the same are used only as an inescapable functional requirement to facilitate movement in coordination with the city traffic police”.