The Williamnagar Municipal Board (WMB) was forced to modify an order that had earlier directed all shops in the town to remain shut during the period of a foundation stone laying ceremony to be held by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma tomorrow.
Earlier, the WMB had issued an order directing shops to shut between 11 am to 1 pm, something that did not go down too well with local residents who questioned the motive of the order. The order was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the WMB.
“What right does the WMB have to force shops to shut down for a programme for the chief minister? This is unprecedented in the state. It just shows the extent to which some officers are willing to go just to please those in power. The order is arbitrary and will only hurt poor locals,” said one S N Marak from Williamnagar.
Immediately after the order was issued, social media went agog on the issue and began to question the legality of it. Most social media users lambasted the WMB Chief Executive Officer as well as the district administration on the issue and sought immediate answers.
Meanwhile, the matter was raised to East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Swapnil Tembe, who immediately took it upon himself to seek the veracity of the order issued.
The order was later modified this evening, after it was given out this afternoon, which this time requested for the presence of shopkeepers during the programme, instead of demanding the same through shutting shops.
