The wrong ride
Government servants are privileged people. More often than not, the government officials overstep their brief and misuse their authority at the office or outside. Official vehicles allotted to government servants are similarly misused.
Residents of Shillong often see these vehicles dropping and picking up children from schools and running errands across the town. Drivers assigned to government servants have a gala time driving official vehicles. You often see swanky cars and SUVs blatantly breaking lane rules and overtaking, sometimes with their sirens on. It is next to impossible to see who’s occupying the vehicle since almost all official or VIP vehicles come fixed with dark films.
While office timings in the city run between 10 am and 5 pm during the summer days such vehicles are often seen early in the morning doing the rounds across the city. It’s a simple guesswork figuring out where the vehicle is headed. Official vehicles are also seen at odd hours around the commercial areas of the city and you know, yet again, what the vehicle is being used for.
Traffic personnel are extra careful dealing with these VIP vehicles and their occupants. They have to be to avoid being shunted off to remote locations. They might also run the risk of being hauled up both by their seniors and the government officers.
A recent survey by the East Khasi Hills district administration conducted among 6,510 parents of 19 schools revealed that 61% of the students go to school in private vehicles. It is easy to deduct that many of these vehicles come with official registration numbers.
Lessening the number of official vehicles might be one way to reduce traffic jams in the city.
Food storm
For as long as the contemporary Shillong remembers, Police Bazar has remained the commercial hub of our beautiful city. But it also is one of the most happening places for foodies — from top-notch restaurants, cafes, eateries to street food of various kinds.
Although business is brisk throughout the week, Sunday adds a different spark to Police Bazar’s eatery business, especially the roadside food stalls.
All stalls are packed with customers relishing their favourite snacks; pani puri, papri chat, sweet corn, chow, momo, etc., you name it!
This day of the week makes Police Bazar look brand new, unlike any other day when it’s bustling with people mostly preferring to eat in eateries and not at stalls along the streets.
Another interesting fact about eateries in Shillong is the diversity and variety.
Foods from another culture or place have begun gaining popularity it seems.
Snacks such as shawarma, never-heard-of candies, boba drinks, etc., seem to be taking the Shillongites by storm — and all for the better!
Perhaps now, stepping outside has become a kind of adventure for the stomach, hasn’t it?