Meghalaya Govt permits re-opening of Iewduh, weekly markets

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 16, 2020

 The state government has decided to allow re-opening of the Iewduh, one of the biggest traditional markets in the state, from June 22. 

The review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday also decided to permit re-opening of weekly markets across the state from June 29.

Earlier, an inspection was also conducted to Iewduh market by the Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong.

He was accompanied by Health Minister AL Hek, Urban Affairs Minister Hamletson Dohling, Director of Health Services (MI) Dr Aman War, Deputy Commissioner Matsiewdor War Nongbri and other government officials. 

“We have decided to allow re-opening of Iewduh market from June 22,” Tynsong told reporters after the review meeting. 

He said the decision was taken in consultation with the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and Hima Mylliem. 

As per report submitted by the DC, there are a total of 1,222 shops in Iewduh market. 

“Only 30 up to 33 per cent of the total strength of the shops will allow to be operationalised on rotational basis but SOPs and protocols has to be adhered to in totality,” Tynsong said.

The deputy chief minister informed that the government has also decided to allow re-opening of weekly markets throughout the state from June 29. 

“However, border haats along international border with Bangladesh and markets along the inter-state with Assam will remain closed until further orders,” he said.

Tynsong said that all deputy commissioners have also been directed to hold further consultations with all concerned stakeholders in as far as reopening of weekly markets are concerned.

“We have also directed the DCs to work out the formalities and modalities for implementation of the decision taken by the government today,” he said. 

Asked, Tynsong said selling of vegetable, fish and meat will not be allowed in Iewduh market as they already have alternative markets created for them in other parts of the city. According to him, this will also help to decongest the Iewduh market. 

On the issue related to the livelihood of street vendors and hawkers, the deputy CM said that there are over 1,000 hawkers in Iewduh market and they are still not allowed to start their activities as per recommendation of district administration and KHADC.

“However,  we have asked the DC to identify a location and submit a report to the government on this matter,” he said. 

When asked, Tynsong said that he can proudly say that Meghalaya is the best state in the North East region in tackling the COVID-19.

“There is no community spread in the state and this is due to support and cooperation of all stakeholders. However, we should not be complacent but we need to continue to takecare of ourself and our own family members by adhering to the protocols issued by the government,” he said.