GUWAHATI: Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) is of the view that the district administration and KHADC need to have a closer look at the decision to partially reopen Iewduh, the biggest trading hub of the state, keeping in mind the rise in COVID-19 positive cases of late.
“It is understandable that those who are directly connected with the market would agree with its reopening due to financial crises. However, at this point of time, the lives of our beloved citizens matter the most,” KHNAM youth wing president, Thomas Passah told The Shillong Times on Wednesday.
“During the past month, the markets at the village level have been of great assistance to the people. For the farmers, the government could come out with permanent measures to ensure that they are able to sell their goods without having to bear losses, at appropriate junctions,” Passah said.
“For those who have rented shops at Iewduh, the least the Hima Mylliem, KHADC or the state Government can do is to waive the rent for the entire lockdown period, so as to ease the burden,” he said.
The KHNAM leader wondered whether the police administration could handle the situation in regard to adherence to the standard operating protocols, given the small lanes and small shops of the market.
The party observed the difficulty faced by the administration in the Paltan Bazar area, where the wholesalers were permitted to open twice a week, to ensure adherence to health protocols.
“The district administration is preparing a blueprint for the same, and it will be wise to take some time and not rush into a decision because if it backfires then the authority concerned will be made accountable for,” Passah said.
School fee
“The state government’s decision to waive 50 per cent school fee for three months for government-aided and deficit schools is welcome. However, most children from different economic backgrounds send their children to private schools. Therefore, the state government needs to direct private schools to extend a similar privilege. The loss incurred by private schools could be partially compensated if required,” the KHNAM leader said.
