Shillong (Meghalaya) , July 13: Under public pressure that closing all the shops would take people back instead of moving forward the state government today fixed the time for closure of shops only in 5 areas in the city at 11 30 pm instead of 10 pm and lifted section 144 CrPC in the whole city.
Under public criticism from the business community with the decision of the administration clamping entire city under Sec 144 CrPC after 10 pm, a high-level meeting was convened today to review the law-and-order situation in the city.
On Wednesday, some shop keepers refused to close down their business as they felt that the district administration was imposing restrictions on them by snatching their right to livelihood and were of the opinion that just because of the incidents of arson at Laitumkrah police station after drunken brawl it was unfair to punish everyone.
They were also of the opinion that the district administration could have offered more protection by ensuring police personnel to guard the commercial areas and ensure that public and the commercial areas were indeed safe and secure.
The District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong on Monday has promulgated an order under Section 144 CrPC restricting the opening hours of shops, food stalls, restaurants and enterprises in and around Shillong city to 10 pm.
The DC also banned the consumption of intoxicants and engaging in “any unlawful activities” in vehicles, playing loud music near educational and/or religious institutions, hospitals and residential areas, especially after 10pm.
A fresh order issued this evening by the Deputy Commissioner said that opening of shops /food stalls /restaurants in the areas near Hotel Assembly Point up to Wards Lake, Whole of Polo Hills , Urkaliar , Quinton Road, Eee Cee Restaurant up to Jail Road Petrol Pump will be till 11. 30 pm.
The fresh order also clarified that the earlier order issued on July 10 stands cancelled.
