Second-hand, yet a style statement
Used (second-hand) clothes may sound a bit unappealing. But Shillongites don them like fashionis tas. With the temperature dipping in the city and winter setting in, the second-hand markets are back with eccentric apparels for the cold days. From jackets, overcoats to mufflers and socks, it’s all there. Here’s the catch: the COVID-19 pandemic has not left us yet. Shopaholics will try the clothes on and caress its warmth, being least bothered about the possibility of them being infected by a former customer. When asked, a buyer told the SJ team that it is a routine thing for him to frequent the shops during winters to stockpile the budget-friendly attires before the sellers run out of stock. “There is always a race to get there first,” he said. The most popular second-hand shops in Shillong are located at Iewduh, Khyndai Lad and Happy Valley. Will the pandemic do its bit and jinx this too?
Stray menace
They are everywhere. You can find them running riot on the streets after the late evening hours, ransack ing garbage piles, pillaging on wastes dumped on street corners by careless humans and attacking and biting unsuspecting humans. We are talking about the stray dogs. Don’t get us wrong. The SJ team members are all animal lovers but this canine problem has to be resolved at the earliest. It is an irony that like all choices in life, dog lovers generally look for “brands” while neglecting the lowly stray dogs. Perhaps it’s time that those who occupy the seats of power to show empathy for these creatures who have none to take up their cause. A shelter home for stray animals or an adoption centre would do wonders to better the life of these animals. So far there’s one place for stray dogs – Happy Tails in Oakland. But many more are needed. Would anyone care to listen?
City in the dark!
As the sun sets in the western sky and the night descends on the city we are reminded how dark our lives are. Of course, we are speaking metaphorically, in case you haven’t understood. Street lights in most of the localities of the city have remained non-functional for years. For Shillong that aspires to be a Smart City in the future, this is particularly embarrassing. In the absence of street lights, petty criminals have taken over the dark alleys and sub-lanes and are creating nuisance. Most often than not, these unlit areas are taken over by those indulging in substance abuse. These places also become litter zones or garbage dumping stations. Citizens have no clue why the street lights are non-functional but the bigger problem is that they don’t even know who to blame. Is it the responsibility of the Shillong Municipal Board or the Power department or the Urban Affairs department? Can someone shed some light on this?
A junk-yard
Lord Mahavira Park, does the name sound familiar? Situated right next to GS Road at Jhalupara, the park has become an eyesore. It is not well-maintained and remains inaccessible. But it is not this aspect of the so-called park which earns it a spot in the Jottings column this week. In recent times, young boys and girls have been found trespassing into the property. Their activity has nothing to do with time spent leisurely in the lap of nature, since these youngsters have been indulging in mischievous activities. Was this the intention of building the recreational space? Why is no one taking cognizance of the fact that it is turning into a safe haven for junkies and a hub for illegal activities too. It’s time the concerned authorities step up their game.