SHILLONG:
The order of the East Khasi Hills district administration to close all shops in the city by 10 pm has caused concern among the citizens.
They say that crime can happen at any time and in any place and the administration should ensure safety of the people but not by imposing restrictions on them by snatching the right to livelihood.
“To say that the restrictions have been imposed to curb illegal activities; I do not agree with it,” one lady selling local food in Khyndailad said, arguing that putting a curb by asking shopkeepers and vendors to shut shops early will double cases of crime.
The lady informed she starts her business of selling grilled meat at around 4 pm and keeps it open till midnight and 10 pm is during the peak hours.
According to her, in Khyndailad the busier the market, the safer people would feel. She added that just because someone did something wrong it is unfair to punish everyone.
The vendors said they will try not to follow the order of the district administration since they do not agree with it.
Another vendor who has been setting up a food stall in Khyndailad for over 10 years said that her shop does good business at night only. “From 9 pm to midnight is the best time for our business,” she said.
Another lady selling kwai and other tobacco products said in Khyndailad, tourists frequent the area at night, urging the government to be flexible and allow them to keep their shops open till midnight.
Stating that most vendors run their families with the earnings they get from here, she said, “Most do not get space in the day so after they leave, we open in the evening.”