Shillong’s roadside food vendors triumph; DM altered timing to 11.30 pm

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 13, 2023

In what could be termed as a submission move to the opposition of the roadside food vendors in Khyndailad area, Shillong, East Khasi Hills District Magistrate R M Kurbah cancelled the order for closure of shops/Food Stalls/Restaurants/ Enterprises by 10:00 pm in and around Shillong City.

This is according to an order issued on Thursday with partial modification to the previous order issued on Monday.

The new order has allowed the opening of Shops/Food Stalls/Restaurants/Enterprises at certain areas from 11:30 pm. The areas are the Whole of Polo Hills, Hotel Assembly Point up to Wards Lake Via Oakland Road, Urkaliar, and Quinton Road and Eee Cee Restaurant up to Jail Road Petrol Pump.

The District Magistrate warned that any violation of the said order will attract penal provisions under Section 188 IPC.

The order for closure of shops, restaurants and food joints widely criticized and viewed the order as a step in retrograde for a State trying to project itself as a tourist destination.

Notably on Wednesday night, the Police met with stiff resistance and opposition from roadside food vendors in Khyndailad areas when they tried to enforce the order to close shop by 10 pm.