SHILLONG, May 24: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council has decided not to allow anyone to settle at the Iewduh market here.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the council convened by Chief Executive Member Pyniaid Sing Syiem in the presence of Executive Member in-charge of Market department Grace Mary Kharpuri, Syiem of Mylliem Ainam Manik Syiem and members of the Hynniewtrep Iewduh Association.
Syiem told reporters that the council was anticipating an attempt from those, whose illegal structures at Lum Survey were dismantled, to settle at the Iewduh market.
He also said that the council will issue an order to request the Hima Mylliem to prohibit the shop owners from allowing their people to stay at the market during night hours.
He said they had earlier allowed some shop owners, who run tea stalls and garment shops, to keep their people at the market at night after they complained about cases of theft in their shops.
Syiem said taking advantage of this, others are staying at the market at night. He said some people are using Iewduh for residential purposes.
According to him, the Syiem of Mylliem will issue an order prohibiting people from staying at Iewduh from June 1.
Syiem said the council has decided to assist the Hima Mylliem in strengthening the security of Iewduh. He said the council will provide 10 enforcement constables to do night patrolling duty at the market.
The CEM said the council has fixed 10 pm as the closing time for the market and anyone violating this order will be punished as per the council’s market Act.
He said a decision was also taken to curb gambling and drug peddling. He added that some people are using the market as a safe haven to carry out these illegal activities.
