Social activist Egenstar Kurkalang has sought Chief Minister Conrad Sangma’s intervention in getting Shillong Viewpoint reopened.
Since March 24, 2020 the site has been closed by Air Force authorities.
“Though other tourist sites in other parts of the state have been allowed to reopen (as the Covid-19 pandemic has waned) the Shillong Viewpoint is still shut to date and that has affected the livelihood of many shopkeepers and others directly dependent on the tourists who visit the spot,” Kurkalang told Highland Post.
He said that the viewpoint generates income and employment opportunities for not less than 200 people, including 60 who ran stalls at the spot and the local taxi drivers who ferry visitors to and from the site.
Kurkalang said that the affected people have raised the matter with the East Khasi Hills administration through the Laban Dorbar Shnong but no progress has been made.
The activist also stated that the Air Force has restricted the rights of members of the public in using a public road in the area.
“The defence authorities should understand that this PWD (Public Works Department) road is used by the people of areas like Mylliem Lum, Laitkor, Pomlakrai, etc to go to Sanmeiñ , Lumparing and Laban and we fail to understand what reason has the PWD allow the Air Force to take away the rights of the public to use his road,” he lamented.
Stating that Air Force officials say that the restrictions are vital for security, Kurkalang urged the Chief Minister to intervene in order to find a solution for the benefit of the public.
