Editor,
As a cricket enthusiast and former cricketer from Shillong, I am deeply anguished by the recent controversy surrounding the Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA). This sentiment is shared by many former cricketers and administrators who were once associated with the Shillong Cricket Association (SCA).
In the 1980s and 1990s, cricket in Shillong survived against all odds. With little infrastructure or funding, the game was sustained by the passion of a few selfless and dedicated individuals. Matches were played on modest matting pitches at Polo Ground and players often endured long bus journeys and spent nights on school benches to represent Shillong in the All Assam Inter-District Tournaments.
The perseverance of SCA’s office-bearers and the generosity of patrons like the late Ratan Lal Singhania, the then President of the Assam Cricket Association (1986-89) kept the spirit of Shillong cricket alive. Their passion and sacrifices laid the foundation for Meghalaya’s eventual full membership in the BCCI.
It is now the responsibility of all sports lovers, former players, and administrators alike to safeguard this rich legacy. The future of cricket in Meghalaya must be guided by the same integrity, dedication, and selfless service that sustained it through its most challenging years.
Yours etc.,
D. Bhattacharjee,
Shillong-1
Police Bazar Street Vendors & Constitutional Right to Livelihood – A Case for Compassionate Reconsideration
Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the authorities, policymakers and the citizens of Meghalaya to the humanitarian and constitutional concerns arising from the displacement of street vendors from Police Bazar, Shillong, pursuant to the Order dated 03 July 2025 passed by the Hon’ble High Court of Meghalaya in PIL No. 17 of 2021, Philip Khrawbok Shati v. State of Meghalaya & Others.
While the objective of decongesting Police Bazar and ensuring free movement of pedestrians is undoubtedly laudable, such measures must be harmonised with the constitutional rights of economically vulnerable citizens whose sole means of subsistence depend upon street vending. The affected vendors, many of whom are widows, single mothers and daily wage earners, have reportedly suffered a drastic decline in income following their relocation to the MUDA Parking Lots due to inadequate customer footfall and reduced visibility. Consequently, several families are now facing severe economic hardship, thereby transforming an issue of urban management into one of constitutional and social justice.
In Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation, (1985) 3 SCC 545, the Hon’ble Supreme Court recognised the right to livelihood as an integral facet of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Likewise, Articles 14 and 19(1)(g) guarantee equality before law and the freedom to carry on any occupation, trade or business, while Articles 38 and 39(a) cast a constitutional obligation upon the State to secure social and economic justice and ensure adequate means of livelihood for all citizens. In furtherance of these constitutional mandates, Parliament enacted the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014. Sections 3 and 4 recognise the rights of eligible vendors through statutory surveys and certificates of vending, while Section 18 protects vendors from relocation or eviction except in accordance with the procedure established by law.
The legislative intent is clear that regulation must coexist with protection of livelihood. While decongestion of Police Bazar is necessary, the burden of achieving such objective ought not to fall disproportionately upon those possessing the least resources. Traffic congestion cannot be attributed solely to street vendors, as unrestricted vehicular movement within the commercial hub also contributes significantly to the problem. A more balanced and sustainable solution may lie in declaring the internal roads of Police Bazar as pedestrian-friendly zones between 8:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M., while permitting licensed vendors to carry on their trade from appropriate and viable vending spaces within the Police Bazar area under a regulated framework. Such an approach would simultaneously promote public convenience and safeguard the livelihood of hundreds of affected families.
In view of the grave hardship presently faced by the vendors, it is respectfully hoped that the consequences flowing from the Order dated 03 July 2025 may receive compassionate reconsideration and that the Hon’ble High Court, the State Government, the Shillong Municipal Board and all concerned stakeholders may evolve an equitable and humane mechanism for accommodating the affected vendors in suitable and economically viable vending spaces within Police Bazar, consistent with the constitutional guarantees under Articles 14, 19(1)(g) and 21 of the Constitution of India and the provisions of the Street Vendors Act, 2014.
The street vendors of Shillong seek neither charity nor privilege; they seek only the opportunity to earn an honest livelihood with dignity, as guaranteed by the Constitution and the laws of the land. It is earnestly requested that this article may kindly be published in the interest of justice, fair play and public awareness.
Yours etc.,
Andrew Lyngdoh Mawphlang.,
Mawlynrei
Noise Pollution from Amplified Speakers at PB disrupting Emergency Communication
Editor,
I wish to draw urgent attention to a growing public nuisance at Police Bazar. Daily, individuals soliciting alms utilize high-volume loudspeakers and amplifiers. They perform continuously throughout the day, mimicking street artists. This unchecked amplification has created an unbearable acoustic environment in our city’s central hub.
This issue extends far beyond mere annoyance. As a professional, I frequently need to answer critical, time-sensitive emergency calls while transit through or working near the area. The deafening volume makes it virtually impossible to hear or communicate effectively during these vital conversations. When crucial details are drowned out by noise pollution, it poses a genuine safety and operational risk. While street performances can add vibrancy, the unregulated use of heavy sound systems for hours on end in a congested public zone violates noise pollution norms. I urge the local Municipal authorities and the Shillong Traffic Police to look into this matter. Enforcing strict decibel limits and restricting the use of amplifiers at this busy intersection is essential to restore civic order.
Yours etc.,
ShanKupar Kharsati
Via email
Overcrowding at MFA Stadium Risks Public Safety
Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw urgent attention to the overcrowding and limited capacity at the MFA Stadium, Polo Ground during major football matches.
Last month, during the Shillong Lajong FC vs Aizawl FC match on 15 May 2026, hundreds of fans were seen standing on staircases and near entry gates because the official seating capacity of ~5,000 was exceeded. With World Cup 2026 qualifiers and ISL interest rising, the demand for tickets far exceeds available seats. This creates fire hazards and stampede risks, especially with only 2-3 narrow exit points.
Instead of restricting genuine fans, the Sports Department and MFA should:
1. Publish the certified safe seating capacity before each match,
2. Introduce online ticketing with strict headcount, and
3. Expedite the proposed stadium expansion or temporary stands.
Football is Meghalaya’s passion, but passion without safety can turn tragic. I urge the authorities to address this before the monsoon derby season begins.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request,
Shillong
