Roads breathe easy
The city roads are breathing easier now. Set aside everything that upset most Shillongites, and observe how the roads which were once chock-a-bloc with vehicles are now heaving a sigh of relief.
One of the busiest city highways, the stretch from Civil Hospital till Rilbong point, was almost deserted for most part since the unrest. Those that avoided coming out of their homes were of course better off but some that had to for unavoidable reasons, were sure to learn how effortless it was getting from point A to B in the city.
A trip that would take an hour on a normal day may now be completed in around 15 minutes — that’s definitely going to put a smile on the face of any Shillongite, who is otherwise bedevilled by the obnoxious traffic jams in the city.
A commuter en route to Umpling from from Upper Shillong on Saturday said their trip was seamless. Travelling was a joy, and what was supposed to be a long journey seemed complete in minutes, the commuter said.
Sunday was no different. Although roads are used less on this day, not many decided to venture out on the roads, especially areas where incidents occurred recently.
However, some places such as Laitumkhrah seemed to be in good spirits with people thronging shops and Sunday business looking well. Police Bazar, however, felt forsaken. The footfall was low compared to other Sundays.
WORLD CUP overshadowed
The spate of violence in the city has affected citizens in many ways. Tourism has suffered a casualty and so has the ongoing FIFA World Cup approximately 4,000 km away in Qatar.
Suspension of mobile internet services means that football lovers who have to venture outside their homes are unable to gorge in on the action and the upsets being staged in the Middle East nation.
Shillongites by now would have been making plans to set up giant screens at public spaces to enjoy the blockbuster quadrennial event with friends and strangers, with equal zeal and fervour.
Anticipation of untoward incidents is keeping residents inside the safety of their homes. Friends are unable to gather together to cheer for their favourite teams in football-crazy Meghalaya.
The World Cup will finish on December 18 and currently the group stage matches are under way. As the action heads towards the knockout stages, we at SJ hope and pray for good sense to prevail and for the city to return to its peaceful ways. Let’s hope that giant screens are put up once again across the city for us to stand shoulder to shoulder with friends and strangers alike and shout at each and every goal and gasp at each and every miss.
P.S.: At the time of writing this piece, there were reports of rioting in Brussels but for a very different reason. Morocco had staged an upset win over World No. 2 and title contenders Belgium and fans were discontent.