Former Deputy Chief Minister, Bindo M Lanong has observed that the district administration has to strengthen policing and ensure security in the city.
Lanong said restriction of timing is not possible as many businesses flourish at 10 pm. “You go to any cities across India like Guwahati, Delhi, Mumbai, you will find business activities still going on till 12 to 1 pm. The first place that tourists go when they come here is also mostly the commercial areas like Kyndailad and there should be a reasonable limit on timing restriction,” he said.
Welcoming the withdrawal of the earlier order that regulates the opening hours of shops, food stalls, restaurants, Lanong said, “Whenever there are public reactions you have to look into the convenience of the people especially in terms of the economy since there have been a lot of grievances expressed.”
He said that now it is alright since the district administration has reviewed and listened to the voices of those who are economically affected by the restriction.
It may be noted that following an incident of wanton violence in Laitumkhrah last week, the District Magistrate took the draconian decision to force all eateries and other establishments in Shillong to close shop by 10pm, claiming this would forestall any further untoward incidents.
This order led to another wave of criticism, with even Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh coming out against it, saying that it would harm local businesses and tourists alike. It also opened up the government to charges of not being able to maintain adequate law and order in the state capital.
Recently the District Magistrate modified the restriction, cancelling the July 10 notice but restricting eateries and other establishments in five specified areas to remain open until 11:30pm only.
These areas are from Hotel Assembly to Wards Lake via Oakland Road, the whole of Polo Hills, Urkaliar, Quinton Road and from EC Restaurant up to the Jail Road petrol pump.
