MLA demands partial opening of Iewduh shops

SHILLONG: As thousands of shops in Iewduh are closed for close to two months, West Shillong MLA Mohendro Rapsang has urged Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to partially open 15% of the market from Saturday itself.
Participating in a motion, Rapsang said that shops in Iewduh are closed for over two months even as he lamented shops including shoe shops are closed which has affected the livelihood of the people.
He said that shops in Iewduh are following social distancing since before as customers there do not enter the shop.
He also suggested Chief Minister and Health Minister to visit Iewduh for a joint inspection to explore the idea of opening up of shops partially.
He added that at least 15 percent of shops dealing with farming and other sectors should be allowed to open in Iewduh.
Govt mulls alternative vegetable market
Agriculture Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh on Friday informed that the department, in coordination with the East Khasi Hills district administration, is trying to identify an alternative wholesale market due to the closure of the wholesale vegetable market at Iewduh in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Replying to a question raised by Congress MLA from Mawsynram, HM Shangpliang, during the question hour in the Assembly, Lyngdoh also said that the department has identified 12 farmers’ markets and 15 lay-by markets to help farmers sell their agricultural produce.