Chief Minister visits Lewduh market

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG, Sept 29: Chief Minister, Dr Mukul M Sangma, visited Lewduh market also known as Bara Bazaar, the largest and the oldest traditiol market in Meghalaya and the hub of trade and commerce.

Although cosmetic in his exercise in the domain where the government has little say due to the enshrined traditiol rights under the sixth scheduled of the Indian constitution, yet he was vivid in speaking about the state government endevaour to enliven the Lewduh Market.

Lewduh is under the custodian of the Syiem of Mylliem, a traditiol chief who rule the roost along with his myntris (ministers) with little care about the overall welfare of the market.

The Chief Minister visited prominent junctions of the market to get a first account of the state economic hub. Interestingly, the market looked less congested and superficial during the CM’s visit. The traditiol authorities seemed to have used their own whip to make it superficially better.

Speaking to a gathering during his visit, Dr Mukul M Sangma said that the pride and legacy of Lewduh must be carried forward and all action plan and concept of market pave way for the prosperity of the people. He also added that Hima Mylliem will be supported by the government to make the market befitting to its legacy.

He also said that all departments of the government will be integrated to make the market not only safe and viable but also attractive and also an important tourist destition of the state. He urged upon all to engage with the authorities and to take upon the improvement of Lewduh as a shared objective and responsibility.

Among others who spoke during the occasion was Minister, Urban Affairs, Arts & Culture etc R V Lyngdoh who said that the age old market where traders from Khasi, Jaintia and Ri Bhoi Districts converge to carry out their business looked no longer like a market but a slum. He said that the need of the hour is to modernize the market in an environment friendly manner where traders can do business in a healthy and conducive atmosphere.

Also present were Minister, Health & Family Welfare, Higher & Technical Education etc Roshan Warjri, and senior officials from the district administration and Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Veteriry, Commerce & Industries and Urban Affairs and the Syiem of Hima Mylliem and representative and members of local bodies.

Later, the Chief Minister visited the fish market and other markets in Lewduh interacting with the traders and vendors.