Shillong Jottings

Shillong’s own Diagon Alley?
If J.K. Rowling had taken a stroll through Iewduh, she might have mistaken it for a real-life Diagon Alley—minus the spellbooks and wands, of course. Having undergone a transformation with fresh mural paintings splashed across its walls, Iewduh now exudes an artistic flair amidst its usual chaotic charm.
Long known as Shillong’s busiest and most historic market, Iewduh is a maze of narrow alleys where vendors, porters, and relentless shoppers engage in an endless hustle. The artwork, now, offers a curious contrast to the haphazard electrical wires and jostling crowd below.
Some say the new look makes Iewduh more welcoming; others hope that the mural paintings are not transformed by the Kwai spits. Either way, if magic exists in Shillong, it’s likely hiding in Iewduh, tucked between a heap of betel leaves and a spice-laden stall.

The “pain” in campaign
In the past few days, everyone has at least once caught sight of vehicles carrying big speakers with a few DIY “DJs” onboard, rallying in the city blasting upbeat music — courtesy of the District Council election campaign.
At Laitumkhrah, the campaign went from “It’s only a temporary thing, I can tolerate it” to utter nuisance. Election songs, as per local vendors at Laimu point, were blasted for hours. As this SJ team member visited one of the shopkeepers, their conversation was difficult, put in simple terms. They had to shout at each other to simply communicate about a transaction.
After their laborious exchange, the irritated vendor and her customer nodded at each other in disapproval and turned towards the venue of campaigning with fiery eyes.
Even passersby seemed somehow worked up about the unusually loud music being played.
Like the rest, this SJ team member walked away from the noise as soon as his job was done, but the vendors did not possess this privilege; they sat there, cursing and muttering.
All we can do is hope that the inconvenience that the people had to tolerate would be outweighed by the good work of the newly elected public representatives. The election result will be announced today (Monday).