By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 4: Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit on Thursday brought much of Shillong to a near standstill as traffic was halted across several key routes while his convoy proceeded to the State Convention Centre.
Motorists and commuters described the city’s roads as a “grand parking lot,” with thousands left waiting as the convoy and accompanying dignitaries moved through. In Polo, frustrated commuters clashed with magistrates and police after being ordered to remain stationary until the motorcade passed. Continuous honking became the day’s unofficial soundtrack.
“They can fly. People of Shillong will not even throw one stone at the Home Minister. Why is he scared?” one commuter said, questioning whether public convenience was being sacrificed for convoy security.
Others said they would have stayed home if authorities had given prior notice about extensive restrictions. Some expressed concern that arriving late to work could have serious consequences, including transfers to remote postings. Several residents suggested that if the city was expected to pause for a VIP visit, the government could at least declare a holiday to avoid uncertainty.
Traffic snarls extended beyond the city centre. Long queues were reported at Mawiong after the Mawlai Bypass was effectively reserved for VIP movement, and restrictions were also imposed on the Shillong Bypass, affecting motorists across a wider area.
The frustration was not limited to the streets. Social media platforms were flooded with sarcastic comments and complaints as users shared their experiences of being stranded in traffic.
The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) criticised what it called a culture of VIP entitlement and urged authorities to adopt a more people-centric approach to security management. In a statement, the organisation said recurring road closures, movement curbs and traffic restrictions during VIP visits regularly disrupt students, patients, office-goers, daily wage earners, businesses and the general public.
While acknowledging the need for security for visiting dignitaries, the HYC said such measures should not come at the cost of public convenience and dignity. Public roads, it argued, are meant for citizens and should not be routinely blocked. The group called for a review of security protocols to minimise disruption, stressing that students rushing for exams, patients seeking treatment and workers trying to earn a living should not be made to suffer.
