EKH Police detects 194 traffic violations during surprise night enforcement drive
Our Bureau
SHILLONG, April 26: Shillong’s latest traffic crackdown is facing a crisis of confidence as residents demand the East Khasi Hills Traffic Police prove the special enforcement drive is more than a “seasonal” exercise that conveniently ignores influential violators.
East Khasi Hills Police detected 194 traffic violations and collected Rs 2.46 lakh in fines during the special night enforcement drive across the city conducted on the night of April 25-26.
The operation, supervised by Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem, SP (City/Traffic) Dewansh Pandey, and Additional SP (Traffic) Lovish Garg, covered three major sectors Sadar, Laitumkhrah and Lumdiengjri.
Over 100 personnel were deployed, with traffic branch heads and station officers-in-charge participating. Gazetted officers supervised each checkpoint to ensure effective implementation.
While the intensified checks aim to curb reckless driving and rising accidents, the public mood is increasingly focused on accountability. Residents and commuters alike are questioning whether the police have the resolve to penalise high-profile offenders—specifically those driving luxury SUVs with tinted glass and “Government of Meghalaya” stickers—while local taxi drivers and ordinary motorists face the brunt of the fines.
The enforcement drive includes verifying licences and registration, alongside a crackdown on illegal vehicle modifications and black-tinted windows.
The district police chief, Vivek Syiem said on Sunday that the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to enforce traffic laws and promote responsible driving. “Such coordinated drives are carried out to deter violations and ensure safer roads for the public, especially during night hours when risky behaviour tends to increase,” he said.
However, the perceived “special treatment” for the influential remains a flashpoint. To restore credibility, many have suggested involving local Dorbar Shnongs in joint checking operations to ensure transparency and impartial policing.
Specific concerns have been raised regarding the lack of enforcement in peripheral areas and during off-peak hours. Residents in Nongmensong and Lumkhyriem report nightly disturbances from high-speed motorcycles with modified exhausts, while Upper Shillong continues to see frequent weekend overspeeding.
Critics argue that until checkpoints are consistently present in these zones, the drive remains performative.
The public is also pointing to the more rigorous model adopted in Ri-Bhoi, where authorities have gained a reputation for firm, consistent action against vehicles lacking documentation or using illegal tints. Residents are now urging Shillong officials to adopt a similar, zero-tolerance approach that applies to all vehicles regardless of the owner’s status.
The success of the initiative now hinges on its longevity. Beyond the initial flurry of activity, the community is demanding a shift from sporadic “special drives” to a sustained, impartial system of policing that addresses the misuse of sirens, unauthorised tinted windows, and road safety violations across the board.
